Our Summary

The research paper discusses a method of diagnosing interstitial lung disease, a type of lung condition. This method uses an awake video-assisted surgical lung biopsy, which is a type of surgery where doctors take a small piece of lung tissue to examine it more closely. The benefit of this process is that it can be done while the patient is awake, avoiding complications that can occur when the patient is under general anesthesia and using a ventilator. This is particularly important for patients with this type of lung disease because their lung function is already impaired. The procedure allows doctors to get enough tissue for diagnosis while minimizing potential issues.

FAQs

  1. What is an awake video-assisted surgical lung biopsy?
  2. How does an awake video-assisted surgical lung biopsy aid in diagnosing interstitial lung disease?
  3. What are the benefits of performing this procedure while the patient is awake, as opposed to under general anesthesia?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lung biopsy is to follow all pre-procedure instructions provided by the medical team, such as fasting guidelines and medication adjustments. It is important for the patient to communicate any concerns or questions they may have with their healthcare provider before the procedure. Additionally, the patient should make arrangements for someone to accompany them to the appointment and provide transportation home afterwards, as they may experience some discomfort or drowsiness following the biopsy.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a lung biopsy include those with suspected interstitial lung disease, lung nodules, lung cancer, or other pulmonary conditions where a tissue sample is needed for diagnostic purposes. These patients may have symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or abnormal imaging findings on chest X-ray or CT scan. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by a pulmonologist or thoracic surgeon to determine if a lung biopsy is necessary and if awake video-assisted surgical lung biopsy is the most appropriate approach for their specific case.

Timeline

Before the lung biopsy:

  1. Patient is referred to a pulmonologist for evaluation of suspected interstitial lung disease.
  2. Pulmonologist conducts a physical examination and orders imaging tests such as a chest X-ray or CT scan to further evaluate the lung abnormalities.
  3. Pulmonologist determines that a lung biopsy is necessary to obtain a definitive diagnosis.
  4. Patient discusses the risks and benefits of the procedure with the pulmonologist and gives informed consent.
  5. Patient undergoes pre-operative tests such as blood work and chest X-ray to ensure they are fit for the procedure.

During and after the lung biopsy:

  1. Patient is brought to the operating room and positioned in a comfortable sitting or lateral decubitus position.
  2. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the area where the biopsy will be taken.
  3. A small incision is made, and a flexible bronchoscope is inserted into the airway to guide the biopsy instrument to the target area.
  4. Multiple tissue samples are obtained using forceps or a needle under direct visualization.
  5. Patient is awake and able to communicate with the surgical team throughout the procedure.
  6. After the biopsy is completed, the patient is monitored in the recovery room for any immediate complications such as bleeding or pneumothorax.
  7. Patient may experience some discomfort at the biopsy site and may be prescribed pain medication as needed.
  8. Pathologist examines the tissue samples to make a definitive diagnosis.
  9. Patient follows up with the pulmonologist to discuss the biopsy results and plan for further management based on the diagnosis.

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 potential risks and complications associated with the lung biopsy procedure?
  3. How will the biopsy be performed and what can I expect during and after the procedure?
  4. Will I need to be sedated or put under general anesthesia for the biopsy, or can it be done while I am awake?
  5. How long will it take to receive the results of the biopsy and how will they be communicated to me?
  6. Will the biopsy procedure require any specific preparation or follow-up care?
  7. Are there any alternative diagnostic tests or procedures that could be considered instead of a lung biopsy?
  8. How will the biopsy results impact my treatment plan and prognosis?
  9. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or precautions I should take before or after the biopsy procedure?
  10. Can you provide me with information about the experience and expertise of the healthcare team performing the biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Verzeletti V, Faccioli E, Bonis A, Pittarello D, Schiavon M, Nicotra S, Dell’Amore A, Rea F. Journal: Multimed Man Cardiothorac Surg. 2025 Jan 21;2025. doi: 10.1510/mmcts.2024.134. PMID: 39835683