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Open lung biopsy |
| Definition: |
| In this lung biopsy, a small piece of the lung tissue is removed through a surgical incision in the chest. The sample is then examined for cancer, infection, and lung diseases. |
| Alternative Names: |
| Biopsy - open lung |
| How the test is performed: |
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The open lung biopsy is done in a hospital operating room under general anesthesia. You are given a sedative by injection about 1 hour before the procedure. An intravenous (IV) line is placed in a vein, usually in the arm. Throughout the procedure, you are given a mixture of anesthetic gas and oxygen through a hollow tube that is inserted through the mouth and into the airway that leads to the lungs. The skin is cleansed and an incision is made over the area to be sampled. A small piece of the lung tissue is removed. The incision is closed with stitches. A chest tube may be left in place, with one end inside the chest cavity and the other protruding through the rib space below the incision for 1 to 2 days to prevent the lung from collapsing. |
| How to prepare for the test: |
| The health care provider should know if you are pregnant, if you have allergies to any medication, which medications you are taking, and if you have a bleeding problem. You must sign a consent form. You will be asked not to eat or drink for 8 to 12 hours before the biopsy. Infants and children: The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
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| How the test will feel: |
| There will be a prick with the sedative injection. When you wake up after the procedure, you will feel drowsy for several hours. There may be a mild sore throat from the tube. There will be some discomfort and pain at the incision site. |
| Why the test is performed: |
| The lung biopsy is done to evaluate abnormalities detected by X-ray. The open lung biopsy is usually done after other methods have been inconclusive. |
| Normal Values: |
| The lung tissue will be uniform in texture, and the structure is normal. |
| What abnormal results mean: |
| The abnormal results may indicate cancer, benign tumors, lung diseases, and certain infections. Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
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| What the risks are: |
| There is a possibility of infection or an air leak into the chest. How great the risk is depends on the pre-existing lung disease. |
| Special considerations: |
| Not applicable. |
Reviewed By: William G. Wang, M.D., Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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