Our Summary

This research paper investigates the relationship between radiation dose and different factors involved in a new type of lung biopsy using CT fluoroscopy. The researchers looked at how the size and depth of the lung lesions affected radiation dose, success rates, complications, and how long the procedure took. They looked at data from 50 patients who underwent this type of biopsy.

They found that the biopsy technique resulted in a collapsed lung in 22% of cases. The biopsy was successful in obtaining a tissue sample in 98% of cases and a diagnosis was made in 94% of cases. The average time for the procedure was just over 30 minutes.

The study found that using a low dose of radiation (30 mAs and 70 KVp) resulted in the least radiation exposure during the biopsy but had similar success and complication rates to a high dose protocol. The size of the lung lesions did not affect the radiation dose, success rates, complications, or procedure time. However, the depth of the lesions did have a significant association with radiation exposure, procedure time, and complication rates, but not with success rates.

In conclusion, the researchers found that reducing the radiation dose during a CT fluoroscopy lung biopsy can still produce successful results with acceptable complications, while using less radiation and taking less time.

FAQs

  1. What is the relationship between the radiation dose and the size and depth of lung lesions during a CT fluoroscopy lung biopsy?
  2. How often does a CT fluoroscopy lung biopsy result in a collapsed lung and how successful is it in obtaining a diagnosis?
  3. Can reducing the radiation dose during a CT fluoroscopy lung biopsy still produce successful results?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might advise a patient undergoing a lung biopsy to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure, including the possibility of a collapsed lung, with their healthcare provider. They may also recommend following any pre-procedure instructions, such as fasting or avoiding certain medications, to ensure a successful biopsy. Additionally, the doctor may suggest following up with the healthcare provider if any unusual symptoms or complications arise after the procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for a lung biopsy include those with suspicious lung nodules or lesions that are difficult to diagnose through other imaging tests, such as CT scans or PET scans. These nodules may be found incidentally on imaging studies or may be associated with symptoms such as coughing up blood, chest pain, or unexplained weight loss. Patients with a history of lung cancer or other lung diseases may also be recommended for a lung biopsy to determine the cause of their symptoms or monitor the progression of their condition. Additionally, patients with a history of smoking or exposure to environmental toxins may be recommended for a lung biopsy to evaluate for lung cancer or other lung diseases.

Timeline

Before the lung biopsy:

  1. Patient is referred to undergo a lung biopsy due to suspicious lung lesions found on imaging studies.
  2. Patient meets with their healthcare provider to discuss the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives.
  3. Patient may undergo pre-procedure testing such as blood work and imaging studies to assess lung lesions.
  4. Patient is instructed on pre-procedure preparations such as fasting before the procedure.

During the lung biopsy:

  1. Patient arrives at the hospital or clinic for the procedure.
  2. Patient is prepped for the procedure, which may involve changing into a hospital gown and receiving an IV line.
  3. Patient is positioned on the CT fluoroscopy table.
  4. Anesthesia is administered to numb the area where the biopsy will be performed.
  5. The biopsy needle is inserted into the lung lesion under CT guidance.
  6. Tissue samples are collected and sent to the lab for analysis.
  7. The procedure is monitored for any complications.

After the lung biopsy:

  1. Patient is monitored for a period of time after the procedure to ensure there are no immediate complications.
  2. Patient may experience mild pain or discomfort at the biopsy site.
  3. Patient may be discharged home with instructions on post-procedure care.
  4. Results of the biopsy are typically available within a few days to a week.
  5. Patient follows up with their healthcare provider to discuss the biopsy results and next steps in their treatment plan.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What is the purpose of the lung biopsy and what information will it provide?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the lung biopsy procedure?
  3. How will the biopsy be performed and what type of anesthesia will be used?
  4. How long will the procedure take and what can I expect during recovery?
  5. Will I need to stay in the hospital after the biopsy or can I go home the same day?
  6. How soon will I receive the results of the biopsy and what will happen next?
  7. Are there any alternative diagnostic options to consider before proceeding with a lung biopsy?
  8. How experienced is the medical team performing the biopsy and what is their success rate with this procedure?
  9. Will the biopsy involve exposure to radiation and if so, what steps will be taken to minimize the radiation dose?
  10. What follow-up care or monitoring will be needed after the biopsy?

Reference

Authors: Gupta R, Sinha N, Kumar P, Bhadani P, Rai DK, Kumar S. Journal: J Xray Sci Technol. 2019;27(2):287-296. doi: 10.3233/XST-180424. PMID: 30856147