Image-Guided Lung Biopsy

After the biopsy, a small dressing will be applied over the needle puncture site.  You will be monitored for at least 4 hours in the ward, and will be discharged by the following day if you remain well.  Most patients can resume normal daily activities on discharge.  

Chest x-rays, will be routinely performed after your biopsy to monitor for common potential complications- pneumothorax (air inside the chest but outside the lungs), bleeding.  If significant, these may require further evaluation with CT and/or extra procedures.  A chest tube may become necessary during or after the biopsy if the pneumothorax is enlarging or causing symptoms (such as breathlessness). In the event of uncontrolled bleeding, ‘blocking’ agents can be injected through the supplying artery to arrest the bleed. 

Medical attention should be sought if you have shortness of breath, chest pain or blood in sputum after discharge.