What Causes Pain Near The Incision Site After Liver Biopsy?

Posted on Sat, 5 Apr 2014

Question: Good evening! I had a liver biopsy today and am now resting at home. I am surprised by the residual pain I am having. The pain is not at the incision site, but rather a couple of inches below. This is also the place that was most painful during the procedure, while they were manipulating the angle of the needle/liver. The pain now feels like a 'stitch' that pinches whenever I bend or twist or change positions when I am laying in bed. Is this to be expected? When should I give my doctor a call if the pain doesn't subside? Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Enrique Molina (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: expected pain Detailed Answer: Liver biopsies are routine procedures, however they can be very painful hours after the procedure. Keep in mind that the anesthesia used, will wear off completely a few hours after the procedure, and the needle used for the biopsy is relatively big! I have done lots of liver biopsies, and pain is common after doing it. Pain however is usually tolerable, and manageable with over the counter acetaminophen. very rarely a stronger medication is needed. keep in mind that you should not use anything that can make you bleed, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, aleve, or any "NSAID". If the pain is worsening as time passes, you should definitely call your doctor. One of the complications of liver biopsies is bleeding, which can be very painful, if bleeding is going freely into the abdomen, however your pain would be excrutiating, and you would start feeling lightheaded and dizzy from the blood loss. If 24 hours after the procedure you remain with significant pain, then give your doctor a call as you may need further evaluation or he may have to check you up. Hopefully that answers your question.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar