Our Summary

This study looked at the safety of a procedure called surgical lung biopsy (SLB), which is used to diagnose a lung condition called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD). The safety of the procedure is debated, as death and complication rates can vary based on the patient’s health status.

The researchers reviewed 94 patients with ILD who underwent SLB at their hospital between 2010 and 2021. To try and avoid complications after the surgery, the researchers excluded patients who were dependent on oxygen before surgery, had organ failure, or showed certain patterns on their lung scans.

The average age of the patients was 66 years and their lungs were working at about 81% of their normal capacity. The surgery took about 45 minutes on average. No patients died within 30 or 90 days of the surgery. One patient (1%) had a worsening of their ILD 66 days after the surgery. Four other patients (4%) had serious complications, three of which involved air leakage.

In conclusion, the researchers suggest that by carefully selecting patients for the procedure, SLB can be done safely.

FAQs

  1. What is a surgical lung biopsy (SLB) and why is it used?
  2. What criteria did the researchers use to exclude patients from the study to avoid complications after the surgery?
  3. What were the findings of the study regarding the safety of surgical lung biopsy?

Doctor’s Tip

Here are some helpful tips a doctor might tell a patient about lung biopsy:

  1. Make sure to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by your healthcare team, such as fasting before the procedure.

  2. It is important to inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some may need to be adjusted before the biopsy.

  3. After the procedure, follow all post-operative care instructions carefully to reduce the risk of complications.

  4. Be aware of any signs of infection or complications, such as fever, increased pain, or difficulty breathing, and contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.

  5. It may be helpful to have a support system in place to help you during the recovery period following the biopsy.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a lung biopsy, specifically a surgical lung biopsy, may include those with interstitial lung disease (ILD) such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. It is important for patients to have good lung function, as well as not be dependent on oxygen before the surgery. Patients with certain patterns on their lung scans may also be excluded from the procedure to reduce the risk of complications.

Overall, patients who are in relatively good health and have a strong likelihood of benefiting from a lung biopsy to diagnose their condition may be recommended for the procedure. It is important for healthcare providers to carefully assess each patient’s individual health status and risks before recommending a lung biopsy.

Timeline

Before the lung biopsy:

  • The patient experiences symptoms of ILD, such as shortness of breath, coughing, and fatigue.
  • The patient undergoes various tests and imaging scans to diagnose their condition.
  • The doctor recommends a surgical lung biopsy to obtain a tissue sample for a definitive diagnosis.

After the lung biopsy:

  • The patient undergoes the surgical lung biopsy procedure, which takes about 45 minutes on average.
  • The patient is monitored closely for any complications immediately after the surgery.
  • The patient is discharged from the hospital and instructed on post-operative care.
  • The patient follows up with their doctor for the results of the biopsy and further treatment recommendations.

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 in my case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a lung biopsy?
  3. Are there any alternative tests or procedures that could provide the same information?
  4. How will the biopsy be performed and what can I expect during and after the procedure?
  5. How long will it take to get the results of the biopsy?
  6. What are the possible outcomes of the biopsy results and how will they impact my treatment plan?
  7. How experienced are you in performing lung biopsies and what is the success rate at your facility?
  8. Are there any specific instructions I need to follow before and after the biopsy procedure?
  9. What symptoms should I watch out for after the biopsy that may indicate a complication?
  10. How will the biopsy results be communicated to me and what follow-up care will be needed?

Reference

Authors: Hayakawa T, Sekihara K, Tajiri T, Shibata M, Fujisawa T, Suda T, Shiiya N, Funai K. Journal: Respir Investig. 2025 Jan;63(1):81-85. doi: 10.1016/j.resinv.2024.11.018. Epub 2024 Dec 7. PMID: 39647322