Open Lung Biopsy

Hello,
I've asked this question before without a response, so I thought I'd re-post it.  Thank you for your answer.

How complicated is an open lung biopsy? I understand it is an impatient procedure, what are the risks and concerns? Will it provide a conclusive answer, one more specific than the high resolution CT scan? Is the recovery tough after the biopsy?

Thank you.

[National Jewish]

Open lung biopsy is a relatively straightforward procedure that requires general anesthesia.  It can be done through an incision.  Recovery may result in persistent chest pain or discomfort.  An open lung biopsy can also be done by video-assisted thoracoscopy.  A scope is placed through two small incisions.  When done with a scope, the recovery is generally fast and uneventful.

When done by a skilled doctor, risks and concerns are infrequent.  The most worrisome are bleeding, infection, and air leakage from the lung, requiring placement of a chest tube.  Biopsy and CT scanning are complementary.  Biopsy provides the specific answer that the CT scan cannot.

[mab52]

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