Our Summary

This research paper looks at the effectiveness of a procedure called Open Lung Biopsy (OLB) in diagnosing breathing problems in children. The researchers analyzed 179 instances of OLB performed on children under 18 between 2006 and 2016. They excluded cases where the biopsy confirmed birth defects in the chest or spreading cancer in the lungs. They found that OLB was effective in definitively diagnosing the issue in 79% of the 44 cases they looked at, and there were no deaths directly caused by the procedure. The authors conclude that OLB is a valuable tool in diagnosing complex respiratory diseases in children, allowing for appropriate treatment and helping families to plan for the future.

FAQs

  1. What is the Open Lung Biopsy procedure and how effective is it in diagnosing respiratory issues in children?
  2. Were there any instances of death directly caused by the Open Lung Biopsy procedure based on the research paper?
  3. Did the researchers include cases where the biopsy confirmed chest birth defects or spreading lung cancer in children?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lung biopsy is to follow all pre-procedure instructions, such as fasting before the procedure and avoiding certain medications that may interfere with the biopsy results. It is also important to inform the doctor of any allergies or medical conditions before the procedure. After the biopsy, it is important to follow post-procedure care instructions, such as resting and avoiding strenuous activities for a certain period of time. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments to discuss the results of the biopsy and any further treatment options.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for lung biopsy include those with:

  1. Suspicion of lung cancer: Lung biopsy is often recommended for patients with suspicious lung nodules or masses found on imaging studies.

  2. Interstitial lung disease: Patients with interstitial lung disease may undergo lung biopsy to determine the specific subtype of the disease and guide treatment.

  3. Suspected infections: Lung biopsy may be recommended for patients with suspected fungal, bacterial, or viral lung infections that are not responding to treatment.

  4. Diffuse lung diseases: Patients with diffuse lung diseases such as sarcoidosis or pulmonary fibrosis may undergo lung biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.

  5. Suspected autoimmune lung diseases: Patients with suspected autoimmune lung diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus may undergo lung biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.

  6. Evaluation of lung transplant rejection: Lung biopsy may be recommended for patients who have undergone lung transplantation to evaluate for signs of rejection.

  7. Unclear lung abnormalities: Patients with unclear lung abnormalities that cannot be diagnosed through imaging studies may undergo lung biopsy to obtain a definitive diagnosis.

It is important to note that the decision to undergo a lung biopsy should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, who will consider the individual patient’s medical history, symptoms, and overall health before recommending the procedure.

Timeline

Before Lung Biopsy:

  1. Patient presents with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chronic cough, chest pain, or abnormal chest x-ray results.
  2. Doctor conducts physical examination, reviews medical history, and orders imaging tests or pulmonary function tests to assess lung function.
  3. Doctor determines that a lung biopsy is necessary to obtain a definitive diagnosis.
  4. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessment, which may include blood tests, chest CT scan, and consultation with an anesthesiologist.

During Lung Biopsy:

  1. Patient is admitted to the hospital or outpatient surgery center.
  2. Patient is prepped for the procedure, which may involve sedation or general anesthesia.
  3. Doctor uses a needle or a surgical tool to obtain a tissue sample from the lung.
  4. The tissue sample is sent to a pathology lab for analysis.

After Lung Biopsy:

  1. Patient is closely monitored for any complications such as bleeding, infection, or lung collapse.
  2. Patient may experience pain at the biopsy site, coughing up blood, or temporary difficulty breathing.
  3. Pathology report is reviewed to determine the diagnosis.
  4. Doctor discusses the results with the patient and recommends appropriate treatment options.
  5. Patient may require follow-up appointments for monitoring and further treatment.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is the purpose of the lung biopsy?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with the 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 will the biopsy results reveal about my condition and how will it impact my treatment plan?
  6. Are there any alternative diagnostic tests or procedures that could be considered instead of a lung biopsy?
  7. How should I prepare for the biopsy, including any necessary medications or fasting requirements?
  8. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the biopsy, and if so, for how long?
  9. How can I expect to feel after the biopsy and what is the typical recovery time?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or complications that I should be aware of following the biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Sinha A, Cheesman E, Narayan O. Journal: Pulm Pharmacol Ther. 2019 Oct;58:101816. doi: 10.1016/j.pupt.2019.101816. Epub 2019 Jul 4. PMID: 31279963