Biopsies
A needle biopsy is a medical procedure commonly used to obtain tissue samples from various parts of the body for diagnostic purposes. It’s a minimally invasive technique that that is performed by an Interventional Radiologist and helps doctors assess the presence of abnormalities, such as tumors or other growths, without the need for open surgery.
During a needle biopsy, a thin, hollow needle is inserted into the target area to collect a small sample of tissue. This sample is then examined under a microscope by a pathologist, a medical professional specialized in analyzing tissues and cells. The pathologist’s evaluation provides valuable information to your healthcare team about the nature of the tissue, whether it’s cancerous, benign, or shows other abnormalities.
An interventional radiologist is a medical specialist who uses minimally invasive imaging-guided procedures to diagnose and treat various conditions. They are trained in both radiology and interventional procedures, combining their expertise in medical imaging with therapeutic interventions.
Interventional radiologists perform a wide range of procedures using advanced imaging techniques such as fluoroscopy, ultrasound, and computed tomography (CT). These procedures are typically less invasive than traditional surgery and often require only a small incision or needle puncture.
By utilizing image guidance, interventional radiologists can precisely target and treat conditions while minimizing the risks and recovery time associated with open surgery. They work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care and offer minimally invasive treatment options for various diseases and conditions.
On average, a needle biopsy takes about 30 minutes. Depending on the biopsy, you may need to be monitored for several hours after the biopsy to watch for complications. Biopsies are considered outpatient procedures with patients going home the same day.
In most cases, biopsies are performed using local anesthesia or conscious sedation.
Local Anesthesia is used to numb the specific area where the biopsy needle is inserted. This numbing process lightly stings for 10-15 seconds but ensures that you don’t feel further pain or discomfort during the procedure. Many biopsies can be performed with only “local anesthesia” (therefore allowing you to drive yourself and eat the day of your procedure).
Conscious Sedation involves the administration of IV medications to help you relax and feel drowsy during the procedure. You will still able to respond to instructions and communicate with the medical team if necessary. In addition, you will also receive Local Anesthesia for comfort. In order to receive conscious sedation, you cannot have any food on the day of your biopsy and will need to bring a driver with you to your procedure.
General Anesthesia, which puts you completely asleep, is generally not used for biopsies unless there are specific medical considerations.
In general, there is minimal recovery from a biopsy procedure. Patients can return to work the next day. Some patients may experience some minor discomfort or bruising at the biopsy site for a few days, however this can be successfully treated with over the counter pain medications.
If you are receiving Conscious Sedation in addition to local anesthesia, you will need someone to drive you home following your procedure.
The risks of a needle biopsy are generally low and are specific to the procedure performed but can include bleeding and injury to other organs. These risks are minimized by using real-time imaging guidance to direct the biopsy needle.
For lung biopsies, a unique complication is a pneumothorax or collapsed lung. If this occurs, a patient may need a small tube inserted through the rib to allow the lung to reinflate, usually requiring an overnight hospital stay of a few days.
Another “risk” is that the biopsy is inconclusive or unhelpful. This risk is minimized when biopsies are performed using imaging guidance.