Patient Guide to Testing - CT Guided Needle Lung Biopsy
2. CT-guided needle lung biopsy
This procedure involves having a computerized tomography (CT) scan of the chest. The Radiologist will find the best spot on the chest wall through which to obtain the biopsy. The physician will apply local anesthesia there and then perform the biopsy. This is an outpatient procedure that requires a stay of 4 to 5 hours. You will be required to not eat or drink 8 hours before the procedure.
Advantages:
Advantages to the CT guided needle lung biopsy include an outpatient stay of only 4-5 hours, no need for sedation, and possibly no need for an IV to be started.
Side effects:
There is a small risk of collapsing part of the lung, requiring insertion of a chest tube that means hospitalization for at least 24-48 hours. A chest x-ray will be done 3-4 hours after the biopsy to monitor for this risk. There is also a small risk of infection. If you are allergic to CT dye or Iodine, please be sure to let the nurse or physician know. You can be pre-medicated for this allergy.
What to expect after the procedure:
You will recover in a special area for 3-4 hours after the procedure. A chest x-ray will be taken 3-4 hours after the procedure to make sure your lung has not collapsed. You may eat immediately after the biopsy.
What to report to your physician:
- Increased shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Spitting up blood
- Temperature more than 101 degrees
- Heart palpitations
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