A 40-year-old member asked:
Open lung biopsy with a camera -how dangerous is this?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Michael Koronaanswered
Radiology - Interventional 34 years experience
Safe: Small risk of bleeding and pneumothorax. May have a small chest tube after. Obtains large amount of tissue for diagnosis and can remove the lesion.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Loki Skylizardanswered
Thoracic Surgery 21 years experience
Major surgery: "open lung biopsy" is major surgery. But, it is a very common/routine procedure done across the country everyday with reasonably low morbidity and mortality. Your risk is individualized and should be discussed with your thoracic surgeon. The key factors are really your health and risk factors before surgery and "why you require a lung biopsy?".
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 46-year-old member asked:
Regarding open lung biopsy with a camera -how dangerous is this procedure?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in

Dr. Loki Skylizardanswered
Thoracic Surgery 21 years experience
Risks exist: While done often by experienced thoracic surgeons (vats), it is chest surgery (major surgery). There are risks and benefits. This link may help: http://goo.Gl/pn73i.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 5, 2013
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