LUNG BIOPSY

What is a Lung Biopsy?
Your healthcare provider has requested that you undergo a lung biopsy. Your symptoms or findings indicate that there is an area in your lung from which a small tissue sample can be taken to aid in a diagnosis or treatment plan.

How Should I Prepare?
You should not eat or drink anything for six hours prior to your procedure. You may take your medications as directed. Speak to your doctor if you need to adjust your insulin dosing. Prior to your procedure, you should make sure all medications and allergies are updated. If you are on a blood thinner you may be requested to stop that medication for a period of time. You will want to arrange for a ride home from a responsible adult should you require sedation.

How is the Procedure Performed?
The procedure will be performed by an interventional radiologist, who is a physician with specific training in image-guided procedures. The procedure will be performed with CT-guidance. Intravenous medications may be given to make you more comfortable and relaxed. This is called conscious sedation.

A lung biopsy involves the placement of a needle through your skin and into a target area. The skin is cleaned and numbing medicine is injected before the biopsy needle is inserted. The biopsy needle is advanced into the target area, and you may hear some clicking noises when the tissue sample is obtained. The needle will then be removed and a sterile dressing applied.

What Should I Expect After the Procedure?
Following the procedure, you will be monitored for a period of time and may have a series of x-rays to monitor for any complications. Most patients are able to go home about four hours after the procedure.