Our Summary

This study looks at two different methods of performing surgical lung biopsies on patients with a certain type of lung disease for which a diagnosis couldn’t be confirmed through other methods. The two methods are under general anesthesia (the patient is unconscious) and under spontaneous ventilation (the patient breathes on their own without help from a machine). The research was conducted at two major academic centers in Hannover and Heidelberg.

The researchers analyzed data from 132 patients who underwent the procedure between February 2013 and April 2021. They matched each patient to a similar patient who underwent the other method, resulting in 40 pairs of patients.

The findings show that the patients who were able to breathe on their own during the procedure had quicker recovery times, as evidenced by shorter hospital stays, less time with a chest tube in place, and less fluid draining from the chest tube. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of complications after the procedure or death within 30 or 90 days following the procedure.

FAQs

  1. What were the two methods of surgical lung biopsies discussed in the study?
  2. What were the findings of the study regarding recovery times for patients who underwent lung biopsies under spontaneous ventilation?
  3. Was there any significant difference in complications or death rates between patients who underwent lung biopsies under general anesthesia versus spontaneous ventilation?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing a lung biopsy to follow all pre-procedure instructions, such as fasting before the procedure, and to inform their healthcare provider of any medications they are taking. They may also advise the patient to follow post-procedure care instructions, such as resting and avoiding strenuous activity for a certain period of time. Additionally, the doctor may recommend following up with them for any concerns or complications that may arise after the biopsy.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a lung biopsy include those with suspected lung cancer, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, or other lung diseases that require a definitive diagnosis for appropriate treatment. These patients may have symptoms such as chronic cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or abnormal imaging findings on chest X-rays or CT scans. A lung biopsy may be recommended when other diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, pulmonary function tests, or bronchoscopy, are inconclusive or unable to provide a definitive diagnosis.

Timeline

Before the lung biopsy:

  1. Patient presents with symptoms of lung disease and undergoes various diagnostic tests such as imaging studies and blood tests.
  2. After other methods fail to provide a definitive diagnosis, the decision is made to perform a lung biopsy.
  3. Patient meets with their healthcare provider to discuss the procedure, risks, benefits, and potential outcomes.
  4. Patient may undergo pre-operative testing such as blood work and imaging studies to ensure they are healthy enough for the procedure.
  5. Patient is scheduled for the lung biopsy and receives instructions on fasting and medication management before the procedure.

After the lung biopsy:

  1. Patient is taken to the operating room and prepared for the procedure, which may involve placement of IV lines and monitoring devices.
  2. The lung biopsy is performed using either general anesthesia or spontaneous ventilation, depending on the chosen method.
  3. After the procedure, the patient is monitored closely for any complications such as bleeding, infection, or breathing difficulties.
  4. Patient may stay in the hospital for observation and pain management, with regular monitoring of vital signs and lung function.
  5. Depending on the method used, the patient may have a shorter hospital stay, less time with a chest tube, and quicker recovery compared to the other method.
  6. Patient follows up with their healthcare provider for the results of the biopsy and further treatment recommendations based on the findings.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a lung biopsy?
  2. How will the results of the biopsy impact my treatment plan?
  3. How long will it take to receive the biopsy results?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  5. How long is the recovery period after a lung biopsy?
  6. Will I need to stay in the hospital overnight after the procedure?
  7. What follow-up care or monitoring will be required after the biopsy?
  8. Are there any alternative diagnostic tests or procedures that could be considered instead of a lung biopsy?
  9. How experienced is the medical team in performing lung biopsies?
  10. What is the success rate of obtaining a clear diagnosis through a lung biopsy for my specific condition?

Reference

Authors: Grott M, Wimmer CD, Kreuter M, Prasse A, Eichhorn ME, Eichhorn F, Herth FJF, Seeliger B, Kriegsmann K, Schmidt W, Koenigsfeld K, Zardo P, Winter H. Journal: Respiration. 2022;101(10):910-917. doi: 10.1159/000525903. Epub 2022 Aug 25. PMID: 36007492