Our Summary

This research paper discusses a study where doctors used a new technique, called electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy, to perform lung biopsies. This is important because more and more people are being referred for lung biopsies due to the increasing use of computed tomography (CT) scans for lung cancer screening and the monitoring of other cancers.

The study looked at 110 patients who underwent this new type of biopsy and assessed its safety and accuracy. The results showed that there were no deaths related to the procedure and only a small percentage of patients (3.5%) had complications requiring further intervention.

Of the 121 lung lesions biopsied, around 77% were cancerous. The accuracy of the biopsy (meaning the biopsy correctly identified whether the lesion was cancerous or not) was around 72%. The accuracy was found to be higher for larger lesions and for those with a particular feature called a “bronchus sign”.

The results suggest that this new biopsy technique is safe and reasonably accurate, particularly for larger lesions or those with a bronchus sign. The researchers conclude that further study is needed to better understand when this technique should be used for diagnosing lung lesions.

FAQs

  1. What is electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy and why is it important?
  2. What were the findings of the study regarding the safety and accuracy of this new biopsy technique?
  3. What factors were found to increase the accuracy of the biopsy using the electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy technique?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lung biopsy is to ensure they follow all pre-procedure instructions provided by their healthcare team. This may include fasting before the procedure, stopping certain medications, and informing the doctor of any allergies or medical conditions. It is also important for the patient to ask any questions they have about the procedure and to discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider. After the biopsy, the doctor may advise the patient to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a certain period of time to allow for proper healing. It is important for the patient to follow all post-procedure care instructions to ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a lung biopsy include those with suspicious lung lesions identified on imaging studies such as CT scans, those with a history of lung cancer or other cancers that may metastasize to the lungs, and those with symptoms such as coughing up blood, persistent cough, or unexplained shortness of breath. Additionally, patients who are at high risk for lung cancer, such as current or former smokers, may also be recommended for a lung biopsy.

Overall, the decision to recommend a lung biopsy is based on a combination of factors including the size and location of the lesion, the patient’s overall health and lung function, and the likelihood of the lesion being cancerous. The results of this study suggest that electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy may be a safe and accurate option for performing lung biopsies in certain patients, particularly those with larger lesions or specific imaging features.

Timeline

Before the lung biopsy:

  1. Patient visits a doctor with symptoms or abnormal findings on imaging tests such as CT scans.
  2. Doctor recommends a lung biopsy to further evaluate the lung lesion.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative testing and consultation to assess their overall health and suitability for the biopsy procedure.

During the lung biopsy:

  1. Patient is given sedation or anesthesia to make them comfortable during the procedure.
  2. Doctor uses electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy to guide a biopsy tool to the precise location of the lung lesion.
  3. Tissue samples are taken from the lesion for further analysis.

After the lung biopsy:

  1. Patient is monitored for any immediate complications or side effects of the procedure.
  2. Tissue samples are sent to a lab for analysis to determine if the lesion is cancerous or benign.
  3. Patient may experience some discomfort or pain at the biopsy site for a few days after the procedure.
  4. Doctor discusses the biopsy results with the patient and recommends further treatment options if necessary.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of the lung biopsy and what information will it provide about my condition?
  2. What are the risks associated with the lung biopsy procedure?
  3. How will the biopsy be performed and what can I expect during the procedure?
  4. How long will it take to receive the results of the biopsy?
  5. What are the possible complications that may arise after the biopsy and how will they be managed?
  6. Will I need to make any special preparations before the biopsy procedure?
  7. Are there any alternative methods of diagnosing my condition that could be considered instead of a lung biopsy?
  8. How often do you perform lung biopsies and what is your experience with this procedure?
  9. What types of lung lesions are most suitable for this new electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy technique?
  10. Are there any specific factors about my case that may affect the accuracy of the biopsy results?

Reference

Authors: Witek TD, Pennathur A, Brynien D, Luketich JD, Scaife M, Azar D, Schuchert MJ, Gooding WE, Awais O. Journal: Surgery. 2023 May;173(5):1275-1280. doi: 10.1016/j.surg.2022.11.036. Epub 2023 Feb 14. PMID: 36797158