Our Summary

This research looked at a technique called trans-bronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) as an alternative to surgical lung biopsy (SLB) when testing for interstitial lung disease (ILD), a type of lung condition. SLB is often the preferred method, but it comes with higher risks, especially for people who are obese, elderly, or have severe lung or heart disease.

The study, which took place in two hospitals, involved patients who were either older than 75, had a body mass index (BMI) over 35, had severe lung impairment, had high systolic pulmonary artery pressure, or had significant heart disease. These patients were considered high-risk. The researchers also looked at a group of patients who didn’t have these risk factors, considered as the low-risk group.

The study found no significant difference in the severity and rate of complications like bleeding or collapsed lung, or in the length of hospital stay between the high-risk and low-risk groups.

This suggests that TBLC could be a safe alternative to SLB for patients at high-risk of complications. However, this is only an initial study with a small number of patients, so more research would be needed to confirm these findings.

FAQs

  1. What is the difference between trans-bronchial lung cryobiopsy and surgical lung biopsy?
  2. Why is the trans-bronchial lung cryobiopsy being considered as an alternative to surgical lung biopsy?
  3. What were the findings of the study regarding the use of TBLC in high-risk patients?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient considering a lung biopsy that while surgical lung biopsy is often the preferred method, there is a newer technique called trans-bronchial lung cryobiopsy that may be a safer option for high-risk patients, such as those who are elderly, obese, or have underlying health conditions. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of each option with your doctor to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Suitable For

Typically, patients who are recommended for lung biopsy are those with suspected lung cancer, suspected interstitial lung disease, suspected infection, or suspected autoimmune or inflammatory lung conditions. Patients who are at high-risk for complications from a traditional surgical lung biopsy, such as those who are elderly, obese, or have significant underlying health conditions, may also be recommended for alternative biopsy techniques like trans-bronchial lung cryobiopsy.

Timeline

Before the lung biopsy:

  1. The patient undergoes a physical examination and medical history review to assess their risk factors and determine the need for a biopsy.
  2. The patient may undergo imaging tests such as chest X-rays or CT scans to locate the area of concern in the lungs.
  3. The patient may undergo pulmonary function tests to assess lung function and determine if they are fit for the procedure.
  4. The patient will be informed about the procedure, risks, and benefits, and will sign a consent form.

During the lung biopsy:

  1. The patient will be given local anesthesia to numb the area where the biopsy will be performed.
  2. A bronchoscope will be inserted through the mouth or nose and guided into the lungs.
  3. The biopsy tool will be passed through the bronchoscope to collect tissue samples from the lungs.
  4. The patient may experience some discomfort or coughing during the procedure.

After the lung biopsy:

  1. The patient will be monitored for a few hours to ensure there are no immediate complications such as bleeding or collapsed lung.
  2. The patient may experience some mild discomfort or soreness at the biopsy site.
  3. The tissue samples will be sent to a lab for analysis to diagnose the underlying lung condition.
  4. The patient will follow up with their healthcare provider to discuss the biopsy results and determine further treatment options.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the reason for recommending a lung biopsy in my case?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a lung biopsy procedure?
  3. How does trans-bronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC) compare to surgical lung biopsy (SLB) in terms of safety and effectiveness?
  4. What are the success rates of TBLC in obtaining a sufficient tissue sample for diagnosis?
  5. What is the recovery process like after a lung biopsy procedure?
  6. How long will it take to receive the results of the biopsy?
  7. Are there any specific precautions or instructions I should follow before and after the procedure?
  8. Are there any alternative diagnostic tests or procedures that could be considered instead of a lung biopsy?
  9. What are the potential long-term implications or recommendations based on the results of the biopsy?
  10. Are there any specific factors or conditions that could increase the risks associated with a lung biopsy in my case?

Reference

Authors: Bondue B, Schlossmacher P, Allou N, Gazaille V, Taton O, Gevenois PA, Vandergheynst F, Remmelink M, Leduc D. Journal: BMC Pulm Med. 2021 Apr 26;21(1):135. doi: 10.1186/s12890-021-01503-9. PMID: 33902504