Our Summary

This research paper looks at a procedure called an ultrasound guided lung biopsy (USLB). This is a way of diagnosing lung diseases like cancer that doesn’t involve invasive surgery, can be done quickly, and can be monitored in real time. Despite these benefits, it’s not often performed by lung specialists (pulmonologists). The researchers wanted to see how effective and safe it is when performed by pulmonologists in a clinic rather than a hospital.

They looked back at the records of patients who had this procedure done between January 2018 and April 2022. The procedure involved using an ultrasound machine to guide a biopsy needle to the right place in the chest, then taking a sample of tissue. After the procedure, the patients had a chest x-ray to check for complications, then went home 1-2 hours later.

They found that 18 patients had this procedure done. The tissue samples they got were good enough to diagnose in 77.8% of cases. Over half of the patients were diagnosed with lung cancer, while the rest had other types of cancer. In a few cases where the results weren’t clear, the patients were able to get a clear diagnosis from a different type of biopsy.

Statistical analysis showed that they often needed to take more than two tissue samples to get a positive result. But importantly, there were no complications in any of the cases.

In conclusion, the researchers found that this procedure can be done safely and effectively by pulmonologists in a clinic, with high accuracy and low risk.

FAQs

  1. What is an ultrasound guided lung biopsy (USLB) and how is it performed?
  2. How effective and safe is the USLB procedure when performed by pulmonologists in a clinic?
  3. What were the results of the research study on USLB and how do they conclude its potential for diagnosing lung diseases?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lung biopsy is to follow any pre-procedure instructions carefully, such as fasting before the procedure or stopping certain medications. It’s also important to inform the doctor about any allergies or medical conditions before the biopsy. After the procedure, it’s normal to experience some mild pain or discomfort, but if there are any severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing or excessive bleeding, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Finally, make sure to follow up with the doctor for the biopsy results and further treatment options.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a lung biopsy include those with suspected lung cancer, suspected infections like tuberculosis or fungal infections, suspected autoimmune diseases affecting the lungs such as sarcoidosis, or suspected interstitial lung diseases. Additionally, patients with unexplained fluid around the lungs (pleural effusion) or unexplained lung nodules may also be recommended for a lung biopsy to determine the cause of these abnormalities.

Timeline

Before the lung biopsy:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, or abnormal chest x-ray
  • Consultation with a pulmonologist to discuss the need for a lung biopsy
  • Pre-procedure instructions provided, including fasting before the procedure
  • Consent form signed by the patient
  • Anesthesia administered before the procedure

After the lung biopsy:

  • Patient undergoes a chest x-ray to check for complications
  • Patient monitored for a few hours post-procedure
  • Results of the biopsy are analyzed
  • Patient receives a diagnosis and treatment plan based on the biopsy results

Overall, the lung biopsy procedure provides an accurate diagnosis of lung diseases like cancer, with minimal risk and quick recovery time 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 be used to determine my treatment plan?
  3. Will I need any special preparation before the procedure?
  4. How long will the procedure take and will I need to stay in the clinic/hospital afterwards?
  5. How soon will I receive the biopsy results?
  6. Are there any alternative diagnostic tests or procedures that could be considered instead of a lung biopsy?
  7. Are there any specific instructions I should follow after the biopsy, such as restrictions on physical activity or medication?
  8. How experienced is the pulmonologist in performing ultrasound guided lung biopsies?
  9. What should I do if I experience any unusual symptoms or complications after the biopsy?
  10. Are there any long-term effects or implications of having a lung biopsy done?

Reference

Authors: Ismail IN, Alaga A. Journal: Med J Malaysia. 2023 Nov;78(6):751-755. PMID: 38031216