MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Open lung biopsy

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Open lung biopsy

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names Definition How the test is performed How to prepare for the test	How the test will feel Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are

Illustrations

Lungs

Incision for lung biopsy

Alternative names Return to top

Biopsy - open lung

Definition Return to top

Open lung biopsy is a test in which a small piece of the lung tissue is removed through a surgical incision in the chest. The sample is then examined for cancer, infection, or lung diseases.

How the test is performed Return to top

The open lung biopsy is done in a hospital operating room under general anesthesia (while you are unconscious and pain-free). Throughout the procedure, you are given a mixture of anesthetic gas and oxygen through a tube that is inserted through the mouth and into the airway that leads to the lungs.

The skin is cleansed and an incision is made over the area to be sampled. A small piece of the lung tissue is removed. The incision is then stitched closed.

A chest tube may be left in place for 1 to 2 days to prevent the lung from collapsing.

How to prepare for the test Return to top

Adults:
Inform the health care provider if you are pregnant, if you have allergies to any medication, which medications you are taking (including any herbal preparations), and if you have a bleeding problem.

You must sign a consent form. You will be asked not to eat or drink for 8 to 12 hours before the biopsy.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel Return to top

When you wake up after the procedure, you will feel drowsy for several hours. You may have a mild sore throat from the tube. You will feel some discomfort and pain at the incision site.

Why the test is performed Return to top

The open lung biopsy is done to evaluate abnormalities detected by X-ray or CT scan.

This procedure is usually used after other tests have been inconclusive.

Normal Values Return to top

The lung tissue will be uniform in texture, and the structure is normal.

What abnormal results mean Return to top

Abnormal results may indicate cancer, benign tumors, lung diseases, and certain infections.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

What the risks are Return to top

There is a possibility of infection or an air leak into the chest. How great the risk is depends on the pre-existing lung disease.

Update Date: 2/10/2003

Updated by: James P. Dolan, M.D., Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.