Liver Biopsy

I had a liver biopsy after diagnosis in November. Honestly, I thought my lymph node biopsy was far more painful. The liver biopsy was a little more annoying, since I had to not eat or drink for 12 hours prior, and spend four hours lying in a bed in the recovery area.

They gave me fentanyl and Versed, and I felt no pain. Heck, I remember feeling slightly euphoric at a certain point. All I had after was a bandaid on my side, and the occasional dull ache for the next week. All in all, it really wasn't awful!

And yes, you will need to have someone drive you home, and they recommend someone with you that night.

I had a liver biopsy a few months ago. I was nervous because the hospital where I had it done usually doesn't use any sedation for these biopsies. I told the nurse on the phone setting it up that I wanted light sedation, and she said that the procedure isn't done with sedation. period.

When I arrived at the hospital, I asked the nurse taking care of the pre-op procedures about sedation and said that I wanted it. This nurse told me to be sure to tell the doctor. So as soon as he came in when I was on the table in the procedure room, I told him that I was very nervous and wanted some sedation. He said sure, and instructed the nurse to give me what I believe was fentanyl and Versed. He didn't bat an eye at the request. They already had me on IV, so it wasn't a big deal. I have no idea why the administrating nurses at my hospital make it hard to get pain relief if you want it for a biopsy, or why that is the policy. I am relating my story so that you or anyone else looking for info won't be deterred from requesting, and insisting, that you get the sedation if you want it. I was still awake and could hold my breath when asked and followed all directions, but I didn't have any discomfort because of the meds. I had to lie still for four hours after the procedure, but just had a bandage over the area and felt just fine afterwards.