General Information About the Test
Test Process and Preparation
A pleural biopsy (closed/needle biopsy) is generally performed under local anesthesia (numbing) in a clinical or patient room setting under ultrasound guidance, and does not require an operating room. However, advanced biopsies called thoracoscopy (with a camera) are performed in the operating room under general anesthesia.
While the patient is in a lying or sitting position, the back area is numbed. The patient may feel slight pressure as the needle advances. During the procedure, the patient is asked to take deep breaths or hold their breath (and avoid coughing).
Because it is performed under ultrasound guidance by specialized pulmonologists, the risk of pneumothorax (lung collapse) is extremely low. A chest X-ray is taken for control purposes a few hours after the procedure.
The information on this page is for informational purposes only. The results of medical tests must be evaluated by specialist physicians.
