Our Summary

The research paper is about a study that evaluated the effectiveness of a certain protocol (step-by-step procedure) for performing biopsies on peripheral lung tumors. The procedure was guided by computed tomography scanning, also known as CT scanning (a type of medical imaging procedure).

The study looked at results from 176 biopsies performed on 158 patients between October 2019 and December 2020. Of the 158 patients, the first biopsy provided useful information for 88% of them. They found that 88% of the total biopsies were informative, while about 12% were not.

The biopsies helped diagnose different types of lung cancer. Adenocarcinoma was diagnosed in 26% of patients, squamous cell carcinoma in 22%, and small cell carcinoma in about 6%. For about 11% of patients, the biopsy results didn’t provide enough information.

The biopsy procedure had a sensitivity of 86%, a specificity of 95.5%, and an accuracy of 88%. Sensitivity refers to the test’s ability to correctly identify people with the disease, specificity relates to the test’s ability to correctly identify those without the disease, and accuracy is the overall ability of the test to correctly classify those with and without the disease.

The positive predictive value (chance that people with a positive test actually have the disease) was 98.9%, and the negative predictive value (chance that people with a negative test don’t have the disease) was 58.3%.

There were some complications after the biopsy in about 37% of cases. Pneumothorax (a collapsed lung) that required pleural drainage (removal of fluid from the space between the lungs and chest wall) occurred after about 5% of biopsies.

The researchers concluded that this step-by-step protocol for the biopsy had an accuracy of 88%, which is comparable to results from other large studies that used specialized navigation systems.

FAQs

  1. What is the accuracy rate of the biopsy procedure as per the study?
  2. What is the percentage of patients that were diagnosed with different types of lung cancer through these biopsies?
  3. What kind of complications occurred after the biopsy and how frequently did they occur?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing a lung biopsy to follow post-biopsy care instructions carefully to minimize the risk of complications, such as pneumothorax. They may also advise the patient to inform their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms after the procedure, such as chest pain or difficulty breathing. It is important for the patient to follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the biopsy results and next steps in their treatment plan.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for lung biopsy include those with suspected lung cancer, particularly those with peripheral lung tumors that are difficult to reach with traditional biopsy methods. Additionally, patients who have undergone imaging studies such as CT scanning that show suspicious lung nodules or masses may also be recommended for a lung biopsy.

Timeline

Before the lung biopsy:

  1. Patient consultation and discussion with the healthcare provider about the need for a lung biopsy.
  2. Preoperative testing and preparation, including blood tests and imaging studies.
  3. Informed consent process to ensure the patient understands the risks and benefits of the procedure.
  4. Arranging for transportation to and from the hospital or clinic on the day of the biopsy.

After the lung biopsy:

  1. Monitoring the patient for any immediate complications such as bleeding or pneumothorax.
  2. Postoperative care, including pain management and monitoring for signs of infection.
  3. Follow-up appointments to review biopsy results and discuss further treatment options.
  4. Recovery period at home, with instructions on activity restrictions and wound care.
  5. Long-term follow-up to monitor for any recurrence of lung cancer or other complications.

Overall, the lung biopsy process involves thorough preparation, the actual procedure itself, and careful monitoring and follow-up to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a lung biopsy?
  2. How will the biopsy results impact my treatment plan?
  3. How accurate is the biopsy procedure in diagnosing different types of lung cancer?
  4. What is the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the biopsy procedure?
  5. What is the success rate of obtaining useful information from the biopsy?
  6. What is the protocol for follow-up care after the biopsy procedure?
  7. How experienced is the healthcare team in performing lung biopsies using CT scanning guidance?
  8. Are there any alternative diagnostic procedures that could be considered instead of a lung biopsy?
  9. How long will it take to receive the biopsy results?
  10. How often is a repeat biopsy needed in cases where the initial biopsy results are inconclusive?

Reference

Authors: Esakov YS, Shrainer IV, Kirpichnikova EI, Kulikova EA, Efteev LA, Tukvadze ZG, Khvedelidze GV, Galkin VN. Journal: Khirurgiia (Mosk). 2022;(5):34-42. doi: 10.17116/hirurgia202205134. PMID: 35593626