Which of the following is a common risk after a liver biopsy?

• A. Infection
• B. Bleeding
• C. Hypertension
• D. Numbness

Answer: (B)

Bleeding is the most common risk after a liver biopsy because the liver is highly vascular. When the needle traverses the liver, it can injure hepatic arteries, veins, or the sinusoids, leading to hemorrhage that can occur immediately or be delayed. This is why post-procedure monitoring focuses on signs of bleeding—new abdominal pain, dizziness or lightheadedness, a drop in blood pressure, rapid heart rate, or a decreasing hematocrit. The risk is higher if there’s underlying coagulopathy or if the patient is on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy, so labs are checked and medications adjusted before the procedure. Post-procedure care typically includes applying pressure to the entry site and keeping the patient on bed rest for a period to reduce bleeding risk, with careful vital signs monitoring for several hours. If bleeding occurs, stabilization and definitive control of the hemorrhage are required, which may involve transfusion or interventional radiology. While infection and pain can occur, and nerve injury is possible, bleeding is the most common complication after a liver biopsy.