Lung Biopsy Near You in NJ, CT, MA, and the Washington, D.C., Area

Lung biopsies typically are performed by a pulmonologist, or a lung specialist. What patients can expect depends on the type of biopsy being performed. Patients should not hesitate to ask questions and make sure they understand what their testing day will be like.

Needle Biopsy

Needle biopsies are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can go home afterward without a hospital stay. General anesthesia is not typically used, although a sedative may be provided to help the patient relax. The procedure entails these steps:

1. The nurse cleans the biopsy site with an antiseptic solution and then injects a local anesthetic.
2. With guidance from CT imaging, the pulmonologist makes a small incision over the biopsy site.
3. The pulmonologist inserts the biopsy needle through the incision and between the ribs to reach the lung.
4. After the pulmonologist withdraws the needle, the nurse applies firm pressure to the biopsy site to stop any bleeding.
5. The pulmonologist closes the incision with stitches or adhesive strips, then covers it with a sterile dressing.

The procedure takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Patients may be asked to hold their breath briefly at different points during the procedure.

Transbronchial Biopsy

Transbronchial biopsies are performed on an outpatient basis. General anesthesia is not typically used, though a sedative may be provided. The procedure follows these steps:

1. The nurse sprays numbing medication into the back of the throat.
2. The nurse uses a suction tool to periodically remove saliva from the mouth and throat.
3. The pulmonologist inserts the bronchoscope into the mouth and passes it down the trachea toward the lungs. It is equipped with a needle or forceps, which are used to take samples.
4. The pulmonologist gently removes the bronchoscope.

The procedure usually takes about one hour.

Thoracoscopic Biopsy

Thoracoscopic biopsies are typically performed as outpatient procedures, though some patients may need a short hospital stay. A sedative is more commonly used than general anesthesia. The procedure follows these steps:

1. The nurse cleans the surgical site with an antiseptic solution and shaves it, if necessary.
2. The pulmonologist inserts a tube into the lungs to assist with breathing.
3. The pulmonologist makes a small incision in the chest.
4. The pulmonologist inserts a thoracoscope, or specialized camera, into the incision.
5. Using the thoracoscope, the surgeon locates the nodule and removes a sample.
6. The pulmonologist removes the tools, closes the incision with stitches, and covers it with a sterile dressing.

The procedure typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes to complete.

Open Biopsy

Open biopsies are performed on an inpatient basis, meaning that patients can expect a hospital stay. General anesthesia is typically used to keep the patient asleep during the operation. The procedure follows these steps:

1. The nurse cleans the surgical site with an antiseptic solution and shaves it, if necessary.
2. The surgeon inserts a tube into the lungs to assist with breathing.
3. The surgeon may insert a urinary catheter to drain urine while the patient is asleep.
4. The surgeon makes an incision along the front of the chest, extending under the arm.
5. The surgeon draws the skin back and spreads the ribs apart to fully expose the lung.
6. The surgeon removes a sample of suspicious tissue, which may be examined immediately.
7. If necessary, the surgeon may remove a larger section of tissue, the entire tumor, or a lung lobe.
8. The surgeon closes the incision with stitches or adhesive strips, then covers it with a sterile dressing.

The procedure may take one to several hours to complete, depending on its extent. Once completed, patients are moved to a recovery room. They then move to a hospital room to recover under supervision until they are cleared to go home.