Prepare for a Procedure

Muscle and/or Nerve Biopsy

Before the Biopsy
Each biopsy requires a pre-biopsy history and physical exam by your internist or referring physician and blood testing. The blood work, history and physical exam must be completed within 30 days of the surgical procedure.

If your biopsy will be in the leg or ankle, you will not be able to bear weight on that limb for 48 hours after the procedure. If you will need crutches or a walker, you can either bring your own or obtain them in the pre-op area before your biopsy. If you will require a wheelchair, it is recommended that you make these arrangements on your own prior to the day of the biopsy. If your biopsy will be in your arm, there are only minor limitations on your activity for 48 hours after the procedure.

The Day of the Biopsy
Your surgery will be scheduled for a Monday afternoon, between 12:15 PM and 3:15 PM. You will report to the Outpatient Surgery Center located in the basement of the Johns Hopkins Outpatient Center.

We ask that you come two hours prior to your scheduled procedure for registration and nursing evaluation.

After your surgery is scheduled, you will be mailed written instructions for exactly what to do to prepare. It is imperative that you avoid aspirin, aspirin-containing products and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications for 7-10 days prior to the biopsy. If you are taking Coumadin (warfarin) or Plavix, you must consult your prescribing physician.

You may eat a light meal the morning of your procedure. The procedure is done with local anesthetic. Your surgery will take approximately one hour to an hour an a half. Please plan to be in the surgical center for a total of at least four hours. Please make arrangements to have someone drive you home after the procedure.

After The Biopsy
Your incision site must stay dry for two weeks if closed with sutures or three weeks if closed with staples. Waterproof protectors, i.e. AquaShield?, for the arm or leg can be purchased from a medical supply store. Patients with incisions closed with staples need to schedule an appointment for staple removal three weeks post-op.

Your referring physician will provide you with the results of your biopsy. Results of muscle biopsies are available within one-to-two weeks. Results of nerve biopsies take up to four weeks.