MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Open pleural biopsy

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Open pleural 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 pleural tissue biopsy

Pleural cavity

Alternative names Return to top

Biopsy - open pleura

Definition Return to top

The pleura is the membrane lining the chest cavity and covers the lungs. An open pleural biopsy is a test in which the sample to be examined is obtained by an incision through the chest wall.

How the test is performed Return to top

This procedure is done in the hospital using general anesthesia (the patient is unconscious and pain-free). During the procedure, you are given a mixture of anesthetic gas and oxygen through a tube that is inserted through your mouth and into the trachea.

An incision is made in the chest on the left or right side. A sample is taken from the pleura (lung membrane) under direct observation. After the sample is obtained, a chest tube is placed and the incision is stitched closed.

How to prepare for the test Return to top

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

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

You will be asleep during the procedure. There will be some tenderness and pain at the site of the incision afterwards. You may have a sore throat after the test due to the breathing tube.

Why the test is performed Return to top

This procedure is used when a larger sample is needed than can be obtained by a pleural needle biopsy. The procedure is done when no body fluids are in the pleura or when a direct view of the pleura and the lungs is necessary.

Normal Values Return to top

The pleura will be normal.

What abnormal results mean Return to top

Abnormal findings can indicate tuberculosis or neoplasms (abnormal growths). Viral, fungal, or parasitic diseases may also be detected.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed include metastatic pleural tumor.

What the risks are Return to top

There is a slight chance of excessive loss of blood, an air leak, or injury to the lung.

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.

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