Discharge Instructions for Hepatic Angiography
You had a procedure called hepatic angiography. This is an x-ray study of the blood vessels that supply your liver. During the procedure, a catheter (thin, flexible tube) was inserted into one of your blood vessels through a small incision. A specially trained doctor called an interventional radiologist usually does the procedure. Here’s what to do at home afterward.
Home Care
When to Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following:
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Constant or increasing pain or numbness in your leg
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Fever above 100.4°F
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Signs of infection at the incision site (redness, swelling, or warmth)
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Shortness of breath
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A leg that feels cold or looks blue
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Bleeding, bruising, or a large swelling where the catheter was inserted
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Blood in your urine
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Black or tarry stools
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Any unusual bleeding
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Don’t drive for 2–3 days after the procedure.
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Rest for 2–3 days after the procedure. Most patients are able to resume normal activity within a few days.
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Don’t lift anything heavier than 10 pounds for 3–4 days.
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Avoid strenuous activity for 2 weeks after the procedure.
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Exercise according to your doctor’s recommendations.
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You can shower the day after the procedure.
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If you have sutures, avoid swimming or taking a bath for 7 days after the procedure or until the doctor removes your sutures.
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Take your medications exactly as directed. Don’t skip doses.
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Unless directed otherwise, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration and to help flush your body of the dye that was used during your procedure.
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Take your temperature and check your incision site for signs of infection (redness, swelling, or warmth) every day for a week.
Follow-Up
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Make a follow-up appointment as directed by our staff.
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If you have stitches or staples, see your doctor to have them removed 7–10 days after your procedure.
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Ask your doctor when you can return to work.
Date Last Reviewed:
1/1/2006
Date Last Modified:
12/14/2007