Immediately after the biopsy, assist the patient to turn onto the right side; place a
pillow under the costal margin, and caution the patient to remain in this position
and immobile, for several hours. Instruct the patient to avoid coughing or straining. Measure and record the patient‘s vital sings at a15-minute intervals for the first
hour, then every 30 minutes for the next 1 to 2 hours or until the patient‘s condition
stabilizes. Complications
- Pneumothorax
- Peritonitis
- Hemorrhage
OTHER DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
Ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) are used to identify normal structures and abnormalities of the liver and
biliary tree. A radioisotope liver scan may be performed to assess liver size and hepatic blood
flow and obstruction.
Laparoscopy (insertion of a fiber-optic endoscope through a small abdominal
incision) is used to examine the liver and other pelvic structures.Hepatic Dysfunction
Results from damage to the liver‘s parenchymal cells, either directly from primary
liver diseases or indirectly from obstruction of bile flow. Liver dysfunction may be acute or chronic; chronic dysfunction is far more
common than acute. The most common cause of parenchymal damage is malnutrition, especially that
related to alcoholism. The parenchymal cells respond to most noxious agents by
replacing glycogen with lipids, producing fatty infiltration with or without cell
death or necrosis. This is commonly associated with inflammatory cell infiltration and growth of
fibrous tissue.Among the most common and significant symptoms of liver disease are the
following :
1. Jaundice, resulting from increased bilirubin concentration in the blood