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Lung biopsy. What is it?

Such a procedure, lung biopsy, involves removing a small amount of lung tissue (it will later be studied under a microscope). To date, a biopsy can be performed in one of four ways. The choice of a particular variant depends on the General health of the patient and the selected biopsy site.

How can biopsy be

So, the options here can be:

  • biopsy using a bronchoscope: a bronchoscope inserted into the Airways through the nose or through the mouth. This method is used when the suspected infectious disease or about the bronchi pathological tissues. For the analysis, which is performed by a pulmonologist, use a flexible and thin bronchoscope. The duration of the entire procedure usually does not exceed hours
  • needle biopsy: for it requires a long needle introduced through the chest. Choose this method if pathological lung tissue is located very close to the chest wall. To control the insertion of a needle using x-ray, ultrasound or computed tomography. The puncture site is treated with antiseptics, and the patient receives anesthesia. After a puncture you have to hold your breath and refrain from coughing. Duration of this procedure also does not exceed 60 minutes
  • open biopsy: is used in the case when the desired relatively large volume of lung tissue. The essence of the procedure surgical intervention, so it is performed under General anesthesia. In addition, one hour before the procedure, take a sedative. In the intervention process, make the incision between ribs. Then the incision is placed pleural drainage tube and sutured. The suture is removed in 7-14 days. Speaking directly about the operation, its duration does not exceed the hours
  • videothoracoscopic surgery is also a surgery, but is performed using miniature instruments. Because of this the rehabilitation period of the patient is minimal.

Biopsy by surgery is done in cases when it is necessary to confirm or refute the following diagnoses, including cancer, rheumatoid and infectious diseases, sarcoidosis, Wegener's granulomatosis. In addition, any type of biopsy can be administered in severe pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, sarcoidosis.

Rules for the preparation of the biopsy

So, if making of a biopsy has already been given a General idea of the rules of preparation still remain unclear. At the same time, this issue is of interest to the majority of patients. So, prior to manipulation the doctor must inform the patient about the possible risks and consequences. At the same time, the attending physician should be required to obtain from the patient the following information:

  • possible allergic reactions to medications,
  • receiving anticoagulants,
  • pregnancy
  • continuous administration of any drugs.

In addition, before the biopsy, you may need a full blood panel. Six hours prior to manipulation should refrain from eating. It is also desirable to take ibuprofen, warfarin, aspirin, drugs affecting blood clotting. If the biopsy is performed using a bronchoscope, it is possible to expect to return home. However, most often require observation in the hospital for several more days. Before the biopsy, it is desirable to remove the hearing aid, contact lenses, dentures and jewelry. Immediately before the procedure the doctor may give the patient a sedative and relaxing drugs and money, drying the mucous in the respiratory tract.

Sensation during the procedure and after it

otkrytaya biopsiyaIf the biopsywas conducted by the bronchoscope, the patient may experience dry mouth, slight pain in the throat. Usually, this condition can quickly alleviate salt mouthwashes or sucking the tablets. Puncture is to perform the injection at this time, the patient may feel a burning sensation and a sharp pain for a short time at the moment when the needle would touch easy. Other types of biopsies are conducted in the operating room under General anesthesia it is clear that under these manipulations the patient is asleep and pain do not exist. Within a few hours after awakening from anesthesia, the patient may still feel sleepy. Within two days after surgery can persist pain from the tube that is injected in the throat, pain in the puncture site and General fatigue. As for videothoracoscopy biopsy, it is performed using a camera and microscopic instruments. In this case, pain of the patient is minimal.

The results of the study. When you cannot perform a biopsy?

Biopsy could not be the case if diagnosed with the following diseases:

  • clotting of blood
  • lung cysts,
  • emphysema,
  • pulmonary hypertension,
  • low levels of oxygen in the blood (hypoxia),
  • heart failure.

Speaking about the results, normal rates of lung tissue are: the absence of fungal, viral or bacterial infection, revealed no inflammatory or cancer processes. At the same time, "not the norm" are: cancer cells, benign tumor, pneumatic foci, fibrosis, fungal infection, bacteria or viruses.

Possible risks and consequences

Indeed, the consequences after the biopsy can be serious. The most serious complication is pneumothorax with the same symptoms:

  • chest pain,
  • increased heart rate,
  • shortness of breath.

Any of the experienced symptoms requires immediate consultation with the doctor. In most cases, such a manifestation does not require additional intervention only control. However, a large pneumothorax may require the introduction of the drainage tube will come out of it the air, then light will be able to deal. In addition, biopsy-there is always a risk of internal bleeding. However, when performing this manipulation the bleeding always occur it all depends on the professionalism of doctors, which must control blood loss.