DURING THE PROCEDURE

A lung biopsy may be performed on an outpatient basis or as a part of your stay in a hospital.
Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your doctor’s practices. In addition, some
biopsies may be performed using a local anesthetic to numb the area, while others may be
performed using heavy sedation or general anesthesia.

Generally, a needle lung biopsy performed through the skin follows this process:

 You will be asked to remove any jewelry or other objects that may interfere with the
procedure.
 You will be asked to remove clothing and will be given a gown to wear.
 An intravenous (IV) line may be started in your arm or hand.
 You will be positioned so that the doctor can easily reach the part of the lung that will be
sampled. You may be sitting up or lying down.
 An X-ray or CT scan may be used to locate the desired biopsy site. The skin will be
marked.
 The skin over the biopsy site will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution.
 You will feel a needle stick when the local anesthetic is injected. This may cause a brief
stinging sensation.
 You will need to hold still, avoid coughing, and hold your breath when told to during the
procedure.
 A small incision will be made over the biopsy site. The doctor will insert the biopsy
needle between the ribs into the lung.
 You may feel discomfort or pressure when the doctor enters the lung with the needle.
 The biopsy needle will be withdrawn. Firm pressure will be applied to the biopsy site for
a few minutes, until the bleeding has stopped.
 The doctor will close the opening in the skin with sutures or adhesive strips, if necessary.
 A sterile bandage or dressing will be applied.
 The lung sample will be sent to the lab for examination.
 You may have a chest X-ray taken immediately after the biopsy.

Generally, a transbronchial lung biopsy follows this process:

 You will be asked to remove clothing and will be given a gown to wear.
 An intravenous (IV) line may be inserted in your arm or hand.
 Your heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen level may be monitored
during the procedure.
 You will be positioned in a sitting position or lying on your back.
 You may receive oxygen through a nasal cannula (tube) or face mask during the
procedure.
 You may be given a sedative to make you sleepy but arousable.
 An X-ray may be used to locate the desired biopsy site.
 Numbing medication will be sprayed into the back of your throat to prevent gagging as
the bronchoscope is passed down your trachea into the bronchi. The spray may have a