For how long should pressure be applied to the biopsy site after a liver biopsy?

After a liver biopsy, it is recommended to apply pressure to the biopsy site for a duration of 4-6 hours. This is crucial for preventing complications such as bleeding, which can occur due to the vascular nature of the liver and the puncture made during the procedure. By applying adequate pressure for this time frame, the risk of bleeding is significantly reduced, and it allows for proper hemostasis to occur at the site.

Immediate post-procedure care, including monitoring for bleeding and maintaining pressure, is essential in ensuring patient safety. Shorter durations, such as 30 minutes or 1 hour, may not provide sufficient time for the vascular structures to stabilize, while a duration of 2-3 hours, although better, still falls short of the recommended 4-6 hours which has been established as a best practice in clinical settings.