Our Summary

The research paper evaluates the impact and risks of lung biopsies in children. The study looked at children under the age of 18 who had undergone lung biopsies between 2010 and 2016. A total of 37 patients were included, with a median age of 7. The majority of biopsies were performed using a technique called thoracoscopy. Adverse events, or complications, occurred in about a quarter of cases, most commonly involving prolonged respiratory failure. In 16% of cases, more serious complications like a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) or cardiac arrest occurred. The biopsy helped establish a diagnosis in 62% of the cases, but only led to a change in treatment in 43% of the cases. The study concluded that lung biopsies led to a change in treatment in less than half of the cases and were associated with significant risks. Therefore, doctors should carefully consider which patients would most likely benefit from a lung biopsy.

FAQs

  1. What were the main findings of the research on the impact and risks of lung biopsies in children?
  2. What were the most common complications found in children after undergoing a lung biopsy?
  3. How often did a lung biopsy lead to a change in treatment for the patients in the study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lung biopsy is to make sure to follow all pre-procedure instructions provided by the healthcare team, such as fasting before the procedure and any necessary medication adjustments. It is also important to discuss any concerns or questions with the healthcare team before the biopsy to ensure that all necessary information is communicated and understood. Additionally, following the biopsy, it is important to carefully follow post-procedure instructions for recovery and monitoring for any potential complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a lung biopsy include those with suspected lung cancer, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary nodules, lung infections, pulmonary fibrosis, or other lung diseases that require a more definitive diagnosis. Additionally, patients who have undergone imaging studies that suggest a lung abnormality that cannot be diagnosed through non-invasive methods may also be recommended for a lung biopsy. In some cases, a lung biopsy may be recommended to monitor the progression of a known lung condition or to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Ultimately, the decision to perform a lung biopsy should be carefully considered by the patient’s healthcare team, taking into account the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

Timeline

  • Before lung biopsy:
  1. Patient presents with symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or abnormal chest imaging findings.
  2. Patient undergoes a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as chest X-ray, CT scan, and/or bronchoscopy to determine the need for a lung biopsy.
  3. Patient and healthcare team discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as alternative diagnostic options.
  4. Patient may undergo pre-operative testing such as blood work, ECG, and chest CT to assess overall health and suitability for the procedure.
  5. Patient receives instructions on fasting, medication management, and post-operative care.
  • After lung biopsy:
  1. Patient is monitored in a recovery area for a few hours to ensure stability and absence of immediate complications.
  2. Patient may experience some pain, discomfort, and mild bleeding at the biopsy site, which can be managed with pain medication and pressure dressings.
  3. Patient is given instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments.
  4. Patient may experience mild symptoms such as coughing, chest discomfort, and fatigue in the days following the procedure.
  5. Pathology results from the biopsy are reviewed by the healthcare team to determine a diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
  6. Patient follows up with their healthcare provider to discuss the biopsy results, treatment options, and ongoing care.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the reason for recommending a lung biopsy in my case?
  2. What are the risks and potential complications associated with a lung biopsy?
  3. Are there alternative diagnostic tests or procedures that could be considered instead of a lung biopsy?
  4. What type of lung biopsy procedure will be performed (e.g. thoracoscopy, needle biopsy)?
  5. Will I need to be sedated or receive anesthesia during the procedure?
  6. How long will the recovery period be after the lung biopsy?
  7. How long will it take to receive the results from the biopsy?
  8. What will the biopsy results tell us about my condition and how will they impact my treatment plan?
  9. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should follow before or after the lung biopsy?
  10. How often do complications occur in patients who undergo lung biopsies and what are the most common complications to watch out for?

Reference

Authors: Sobrino JA, Le N, Sujka JA, Benedict LA, Rentea RM, Alemayehu H, St Peter SD. Journal: J Surg Res. 2019 Apr;236:106-109. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2018.10.025. Epub 2018 Dec 10. PMID: 30694742