IR scheduling and RN triage: 650-736-9081 After hours urgent needs: 650-723-6661
Ask the page operator for the IR MD on call.
Interventional Radiology
Patient Discharge Education
Transjugular Liver Biopsy
About Your Procedure
 A biopsy is the process by which a physician removes, examines, and analyzes a tissue sample. A liver
 biopsy gives information about whether liver disease is present and the type and severity of the condition.
Transjugular liver biopsy is performed using a catheter (long, thin flexible tube) that is inserted into the jugular (neck) vein. It is then guided through a person’s venous system into the hepatic vein in the liver, where the needle retrieves a tissue sample.
After You Leave
Follow-up:
 Follow-up with your hepatologist (liver doctor) for biopsy results in approximately 3-5 business days.
Homecare:
 Activity: After your biopsy, take it easy for the rest of the day. Limit activities that OVER USE the upper extremity on the side where the vein was accessed. Normal activities such as driving, computer work, and cooking are fine. Do not lift weights, throw things overhead, or carry objects more than 10 lbs for 2-
3 days.
 Bathing and wound care: o You may take off the band aid on your neck in 24 hours and shower. Do not submerge the site in water (for example, by swimming or soaking in a tub) for 5 days, or until the wound is closed and healed. If the site is oozing or bleeding slightly, place a small bandage over it to protect your clothes. Change the bandage if it gets wet or dirty. Once the site has stopped oozing, you may leave it open to air. o It is normal to have a bruise and soreness at the access site.
 If the access site at your neck starts to bleed, use your hand to put pressure on the bandage. Hold the pressure for 15 minutes, even if the bleeding has stopped before this time. After the bleeding has stopped, lie flat for at least an hour. If bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes of holding pressure, you will need to go to the nearest hospital or clinic. Do not walk, and do not drive yourself.
 Food and liquids: You may eat your usual diet as soon as you get home. Drink plenty of liquids. Most people should drink at least eight (8-ounce) glasses of water each day. Follow your caregiver's advice if you need to limit your fluids.
 Medications: o If we asked you to hold a medication and did not direct you when to restart it, please call us at
650-736-9081 o Otherwise, take all of your usual medicines as directed: Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call the caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.
Revised: 4/17/2020 1

IR scheduling and RN triage: 650-736-9081 After hours urgent needs: 650-723-6661
Ask the page operator for the IR MD on call.
CALL CONTACT NUMBERS LISTED BELOW IF:
 You have shaking, chills, or a body temperature over 101 F within 1 week of the procedure.
 The site becomes red, or has pus or foul-smelling drainage coming from it. This may mean it is infected.
 You have increasing pain at the access site. (It is normal to have some soreness, but this should get better, not worse.)
SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:
 If you have any of the following, it is an emergency! Call 911 or 0 (operator) to get to the nearest hospital or clinic. Do not drive yourself. o The access site is bleeding and does not stop after 15 minutes of firm pressure.
For Patients Who Have Received Conscious Sedation
 You must have someone drive you home when you leave the hospital. It is also good to have a responsible adult stay with you the first night.
 For 24 hours after your procedure, do not do anything where you need to be mentally alert. This

 includes making important decisions, operating machinery, signing important papers, etc.
Eat light for the first 24 hours, and then start eating more as you are able. Drink plenty of fluids.
If you are taking pain medications: o Take as directed. o Do not drink alcohol while taking narcotic pain medication. o o
Do not drive until you know how your pain medication affects you mentally.
If you are constipated, drink more fluids and eat more fiber. You can also use an over-thecounter stool softener.
Interventional Radiology Contact Information
Office Hours 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Post procedure questions and Nurse Triage:
Phone: 650-736-9081 Fax: 650-736-7734
Email: irprocedure@stanfordmed.org – non urgent concerns only
For all After Hours Urgent/Emergent issues:
Call the Stanford Page Operator: 650-723-6661
Ask for the IR MD ON Call (pager # 27237)
Revised: 4/17/2020 2