Health encyclopaedia

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Recovery of Biopsy

Biopsies are usually straightforward procedures and can often be done as an outpatient appointment (no overnight stay in hospital). If an incision (cut) is made to take the biopsy, then you may need a small number of stitches, or to have a dressing put on the wound. If you have had a biopsy from an important organ such as your kidneys, you will need to stay in hospital, rest, and be observed for a few hours, to make sure there is no internal bleeding. Serious bleeding happens very rarely, but if it does, you might need an operation or a blood transfusion.

Women who have had samples taken from their reproductive system (womb lining or cervix) may experience a little light vaginal bleeding. Men who have had a prostate biopsy may find some blood in their urine.

Most biopsies won’t cause you pain afterwards, although you may have a dull ache or be slightly uncomfortable if you’ve had a sample taken from a major organ such as your liver, or from your bone marrow. Your doctor will tell you which painkillers you should use to relieve this.

If you need a general anaesthetic (to be made unconscious) you may need to stay in hospital overnight.

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