Caring for Your Child After an Image-Guided Needle Biopsy

How will sedation/general anesthesia affect my child?

The sedation/general anesthesia your child received for the procedure is still in their system. Therefore, your child should take it easy for the rest of the day.

When can my child play and go back to school?

Your child may engage in light activity/play today if so desired. Your child may also return to school the following day but should not lift anything over 5- to 10 pounds unless your doctor says otherwise.

What medicines can I give my child for pain?

For minor pain, you can give your child over-the-counter medicines, such as Tylenol® (acetaminophen) or Advil® (ibuprofen), unless otherwise instructed. Check with your doctor if you are not sure whether you can give your child these medicines, or if other pain medications are recommended for your child.

How do I take care of the bandage?

• There may be a small bandage over the site where the needle biopsy happened.
• The bandage may be removed the day after the needle biopsy.
• Keep the site dry and clean. No new bandage is needed.

When do I call my doctor?

Call your doctor if your child has any of these problems:

• Fever and chills
• Severe pain, bleeding, redness and swelling at the site
• Shortness of breath

Call your home infusion nurse if you have:

• A break or tear in the catheter or tubing
• The infusion pump continues to alarm, even after flushing the catheter
• Any leakage of fluid or IV fluid from around the catheter insertion site

For any questions and concerns, please call 617-724-4207. If you believe your child’s symptoms need immediate medical evaluation, go to your nearest Emergency Department.

During evening or weekend hours, a doctor can be reached through the answering service at 617-726-1818. Ask the operator to page the Non-Vascular Interventional Radiology fellow.

Rev. 5/2022. MassGeneral for Children and Massachusetts General Hospital do not endorse any of the brands listed on this handout. This handout is intended to provide health information so that you can be better informed. It is not a substitute for medical advice and should not be used to treat any medical conditions.