INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

HEPATIC VENOGRAM   

A hepatic venogram or venography is a procedure in which the veins of the liver are examined using  fluoroscopy and the internal pressures of the hepatic venous system are measured.  During this procedure, the Interventional Radiologist places a small catheter into your internal jugular vein, usually on the right, and then threads it into the blood vessels in your liver.  In some cases, the doctor may use the femoral vein.

POST-PROCEDURE ACTIVITY:

  • A responsible adult must drive you home.  Do not drive, operate heavy machinery or do anything that requires concentration for at least 24 hours after receiving sedation or anesthesia.

  • Do not lift more than 5 lbs. for 1 week.

  • Avoid strenuous activity such as pushing, pulling or straining for 1 week.

POST-PROCEDURE SITE CARE:

  • You will have a small bandage over the procedure site on your neck.  Keep this dry.

  • You may remove the bandage after 24 hours.

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before touching near the procedure site.

  • Do not use ointments, creams or powders on the site.

  • You may shower or bathe after the bandage is removed.  Wash and dry the site gently.

  • Do not submerge the site underwater for at least 1 week (no swimming, hot tub, etc.) 

DIET/MEDICATIONS:

  • You may resume your previous diet after the procedure.

  • If you receive sedation or anesthesia, avoid any foods or beverages containing alcohol for at least 24 hours.

  • Please see the Medication Reconciliation sheet for instructions regarding resuming your home medications.

CALL THE DOCTOR IF:    

  • Bright red blood has soaked the bandage. 

  • You have severe pain at the procedure site, unrelieved by medication.  Some soreness or tenderness is to be expected for several days.

  • You have severe or new abdominal pain. 

  • You have persistent nausea or vomiting.

  • You have signs of infection such as: Chills, body aches, fever greater than 101F, redness, swelling or warmth at the puncture site, or drainage or pus from the puncture site. 

You or your caregiver should call 911 for severe symptoms such as excessive bleeding, chest pain, shortness of breath or loss of consciousness.

For any of the above symptoms or for problems or concerns related to the procedure,  call  913-588-4846 for Monday-Friday 7-5.  After-hours and weekends, please call  913-588-5000 and ask for the Interventional Radiology Resident on-call.