Our Summary

This study looked at ways to lessen the risk of a collapsed lung, or pneumothorax, when doing a lung biopsy guided by a CT scan. The researchers tried two strategies: first, they injected a numbing fluid into the patient’s lung area before the biopsy, and second, they positioned the patient in a way that makes use of gravity to help reduce pressure in the pleural space (the area between the two layers of tissue that line the lungs).

The scientists reviewed 72 lung biopsies done at one center from 2020 to 2023. They divided the procedures into groups based on whether or not the numbing fluid was used and where in the lung the biopsy was done. They also considered other factors that could affect the results, such as patient details, features of the lung abnormality, and specifics of the procedure.

They found that using the numbing fluid and doing the biopsy in certain areas of the lung significantly lowered the chance of a collapsed lung. This was true even after considering other influencing factors. Thus, using a numbing fluid and positioning the patient to take advantage of gravity can help decrease the risk of a collapsed lung during a CT-guided lung biopsy.

FAQs

  1. What strategies did the researchers use to reduce the risk of a collapsed lung during a lung biopsy?
  2. What factors did the researchers consider when reviewing the lung biopsies?
  3. Did the use of a numbing fluid and specific patient positioning significantly lower the chance of a collapsed lung during a biopsy?

Doctor’s Tip

Therefore, a helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about lung biopsy is to ask about the use of numbing fluid and positioning during the procedure to help reduce the risk of a collapsed lung. It is important to discuss these strategies with your healthcare provider to ensure the safest possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a lung biopsy include those with:

  1. Suspicious lung nodules or masses that need to be evaluated for cancer or other diseases
  2. Abnormalities seen on imaging studies such as CT scans or chest X-rays
  3. Symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood
  4. History of lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis, or lung infections
  5. Monitoring of known lung conditions such as lung cancer or interstitial lung disease

It is important for healthcare providers to carefully assess each patient’s individual situation and determine if a lung biopsy is necessary and appropriate for their specific case.

Timeline

Before the lung biopsy:

  • The patient will undergo a physical examination and medical history review to determine the need for a lung biopsy.
  • The patient may undergo imaging tests such as a CT scan to identify the location of the abnormality in the lungs.
  • The patient may need to stop taking certain medications before the procedure.
  • The patient will be informed about the risks and benefits of the lung biopsy procedure.

During the lung biopsy:

  • The patient will be positioned on a CT scanner table and given local anesthesia to numb the area where the biopsy will be performed.
  • The physician will use a needle to extract a tissue sample from the lung abnormality guided by the CT scan.
  • The patient may feel pressure or discomfort during the procedure but should not feel pain due to the anesthesia.

After the lung biopsy:

  • The patient will be monitored for a period after the procedure to check for any complications such as bleeding or pneumothorax.
  • The patient may experience some pain or discomfort at the biopsy site, which can be managed with pain medication.
  • The tissue sample obtained during the biopsy will be sent to a pathology lab for analysis.
  • The patient will receive follow-up instructions and recommendations based on the results of the biopsy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a lung biopsy?
  2. Will I need to undergo any specific preparation before the procedure?
  3. How will the biopsy be guided (e.g. CT scan, ultrasound) and what is the success rate of this method?
  4. Will I be given any numbing medication before the biopsy to help reduce pain and lower the risk of complications?
  5. How long will the procedure take and will I need to stay in the hospital afterwards?
  6. What are the potential side effects of the numbing medication and how long will they last?
  7. How soon will I receive the results of the biopsy and what will the next steps be based on those results?
  8. Are there any specific instructions I need to follow after the biopsy to ensure proper healing and minimize complications?
  9. What signs or symptoms should I watch out for after the biopsy that may indicate a potential complication, such as a collapsed lung?
  10. Are there any alternative options to a lung biopsy that should be considered in my case?

Reference

Authors: Brönnimann MP, Christe A, Heverhagen JT, Gebauer B, Auer TA, Schnapauff D, Collettini F, Schroeder C, Dorn P, Ebner L, Huber AT. Journal: Eur J Radiol. 2024 Jul;176:111529. doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2024.111529. Epub 2024 May 24. PMID: 38810440