Our Summary

This research paper is about a study that looked at the use of a technique called rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) in conducting lung biopsies with the help of computed tomography (CT). Lung biopsies are procedures where a small sample of lung tissue is taken to examine and diagnose any abnormalities. ROSE is a method that allows for quick examination of the samples taken during the procedure.

The researchers wanted to find out if using ROSE alongside CT was effective and safe in diagnosing lung issues. To do this, they looked at various studies that had been published up until July 2022. They focused on how accurate the diagnoses were, how long the procedures took, how many times the lung had to be punctured to get a sample, and the rates of complications like lung bleeding and collapsed lung. They also looked at the number of times a second biopsy was needed.

The results showed that using ROSE with CT significantly improved the accuracy of the diagnoses without increasing the risk of complications. The time it took to do the procedure, the number of punctures needed, and the rates of lung bleeding and collapsed lung were not significantly different between the group that used CT alone and the group that used CT with ROSE. However, the group that used CT with ROSE needed fewer repeat biopsies. The researchers concluded that ROSE can help improve the accuracy of lung biopsies done with CT.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) method in lung biopsies?
  2. How does the use of ROSE with CT impact the accuracy of lung biopsies and the risk of complications?
  3. Did the study find any significant differences in procedure time, puncture numbers, and complication rates between the group that used CT alone and the group that used CT with ROSE?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about a lung biopsy is to follow all pre-procedure instructions carefully, such as fasting before the procedure if required. It is also important to inform the doctor about any medications or supplements being taken, as some may need to be temporarily stopped before the biopsy. After the procedure, it is important to follow post-procedure care instructions, such as avoiding strenuous activities and keeping the biopsy site clean and dry. It is also important to follow up with the doctor for the results and any further treatment recommendations.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a lung biopsy include those with suspicious lung nodules or masses, abnormal lung imaging findings, unexplained lung infections, lung cancer, interstitial lung disease, and other lung conditions that require a definitive diagnosis. These patients may have symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, bloody sputum, or unexplained weight loss. Additionally, patients who have undergone other diagnostic tests that have been inconclusive or have failed to provide a definitive diagnosis may also be recommended for a lung biopsy.

Timeline

Before the lung biopsy:

  • Patient will undergo a physical examination and medical history review by a healthcare provider.
  • Patient may need to undergo imaging tests such as chest X-ray or CT scan to identify the location of the abnormality in the lung.
  • Patient may need to undergo blood tests to check for any underlying health conditions.
  • Patient may need to stop taking certain medications before the procedure.
  • Patient will be informed about the procedure, risks, and benefits, and will need to provide informed consent.

During the lung biopsy:

  • Patient will be given local anesthesia to numb the area where the biopsy will be performed.
  • A thin, hollow needle will be inserted through the chest wall, guided by imaging techniques such as CT scan.
  • A small sample of lung tissue will be taken for examination.
  • In some cases, a bronchoscope may be used to take a biopsy sample from inside the airways.
  • The procedure may take around 30-60 minutes to complete.

After the lung biopsy:

  • Patient will be monitored for a few hours to ensure there are no immediate complications such as bleeding or collapsed lung.
  • Patient may experience mild pain or discomfort at the biopsy site.
  • Patient may need to avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
  • Results of the biopsy will be available in a few days to a week, depending on the complexity of the case.
  • Patient may need follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to discuss the results and plan further treatment if necessary.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about lung biopsy include:

  1. What is the reason for recommending a lung biopsy?
  2. What are the risks and benefits of having a lung biopsy?
  3. How will the procedure be performed?
  4. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the biopsy?
  5. How long will it take to get the results of the biopsy?
  6. What will happen if the biopsy results are inconclusive?
  7. What are the potential complications of a lung biopsy, and how likely are they to occur?
  8. Will I need to make any changes to my medication or daily routine before or after the biopsy?
  9. Are there any alternative tests or procedures that could be considered instead of a lung biopsy?
  10. How often do you perform lung biopsies, and what is your experience with using ROSE alongside CT for this procedure?

Reference

Authors: Wu D, Liu YY, Wang T, Huang YY, Xia P. Journal: J Cardiothorac Surg. 2023 Apr 10;18(1):122. doi: 10.1186/s13019-023-02212-6. PMID: 37038189