Our Summary

This research paper investigates whether the number of lung biopsies a hospital performs each year affects the survival rate of patients with a group of lung diseases known as interstitial lung disease. Biopsies are procedures in which a small sample of tissue is removed for examination, and in this case, it is lung tissue. The study used data from adult patients in Ontario, Canada, who had this type of lung disease and underwent a lung biopsy between 2001 and 2014.

The research found that hospitals performing a higher number of these procedures each year had a lower rate of patients dying within 30 days of the operation. This was true even after taking into account the differences in patients’ characteristics. The connection between the number of procedures and survival rate was especially strong in emergency cases.

In simpler words, the more experience a hospital has in doing this particular operation, the better the survival chances for patients, particularly for those needing emergency surgery.

FAQs

  1. Does the number of lung biopsies a hospital performs each year affect the survival rate of patients with interstitial lung disease?
  2. How does the experience of a hospital in performing lung biopsies impact the survival chances of patients?
  3. Did the research find a significant connection between the number of lung biopsy procedures and survival rate in emergency cases?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient about lung biopsy to ensure that they are receiving the procedure at a hospital that performs a high volume of these procedures each year. This can increase the likelihood of a successful outcome and lower the risk of complications. It is important to choose a hospital with experienced doctors and staff to improve the chances of a successful biopsy.

Suitable For

Patients with interstitial lung disease are typically recommended for a lung biopsy if they are experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, or unexplained weight loss. Additionally, patients who have abnormal findings on chest imaging, such as nodules, masses, or scarring, may also be recommended for a lung biopsy to further evaluate these findings.

Patients who have been diagnosed with lung cancer, tuberculosis, or another lung infection may also be recommended for a lung biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment. Patients who have undergone other diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, pulmonary function tests, or imaging studies, that have not provided a definitive diagnosis may also be recommended for a lung biopsy to obtain a tissue sample for further analysis.

Overall, patients who are experiencing symptoms or have abnormal findings on diagnostic tests that suggest a potential lung disease may be recommended for a lung biopsy to help diagnose their condition and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Timeline

Before the lung biopsy:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, and fatigue.
  2. Patient undergoes diagnostic tests such as chest x-rays, CT scans, and pulmonary function tests to determine the cause of their symptoms.
  3. Based on the results of these tests, the doctor recommends a lung biopsy to obtain a tissue sample for further examination.
  4. The patient undergoes pre-operative evaluations and consultations to assess their overall health and readiness for the procedure.

After the lung biopsy:

  1. The patient is scheduled for the biopsy procedure, which can be done through various methods such as bronchoscopy, needle biopsy, or surgical biopsy.
  2. The patient receives anesthesia to numb the area and make them comfortable during the procedure.
  3. The tissue sample is taken and sent to a pathology lab for analysis to determine the presence of any abnormalities or diseases.
  4. The patient may experience some pain or discomfort at the biopsy site after the procedure, which can be managed with pain medications.
  5. The doctor discusses the results of the biopsy with the patient and recommends appropriate treatment options based on the findings.
  6. The patient undergoes follow-up appointments and tests to monitor their condition and response to treatment.

Overall, the lung biopsy process involves a series of steps from initial symptoms and diagnostic tests to the actual procedure and post-operative care. The experience can vary for each patient depending on their specific condition and the hospital’s expertise in performing lung biopsies.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. How many lung biopsies does the hospital perform each year?
  2. What is the doctor’s experience and expertise in performing lung biopsies?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a lung biopsy?
  4. What is the reason for recommending a lung biopsy in my case?
  5. What type of biopsy procedure will be performed (e.g. bronchoscopy, needle biopsy, surgical biopsy)?
  6. How will the biopsy results be used to inform my treatment plan?
  7. What is the expected recovery time after a lung biopsy?
  8. Are there any alternative procedures or tests that could be considered instead of a lung biopsy?
  9. How will I be monitored for any potential complications after the biopsy?
  10. What are the potential long-term effects or implications of having a lung biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Fisher JH, Shapera S, To T, Marras TK, Gershon A, Dell S. Journal: Eur Respir J. 2019 Feb 21;53(2):1801164. doi: 10.1183/13993003.01164-2018. Print 2019 Feb. PMID: 30487208