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Warning-sign checks

Biopsy - biliary tract: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency medical care for:

    • Severe or rapidly worsening abdominal or chest pain
    • Trouble breathing, fainting, or new confusion
    • Vomiting blood or passing black, tar-like stools
    • Heavy bleeding from a biopsy or drain site
    • A hard or swollen abdomen with severe illness
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the treating team promptly for fever, chills, worsening jaundice, persistent vomiting, increasing redness or drainage at a puncture site, or pain that is not improving.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Mild throat soreness, temporary bloating, and limited tenderness can be routine.

    Discuss persistent symptoms at follow-up even if they are not urgent.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Biopsy - biliary tract. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.