A female asked:
How long do i need to stay in the hospital after a lung biopsy? i have one scheduled for next week and i need to know how much time to take off work?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Alan Ertleanswered
Internal Medicine 47 years experience
How : How long one must stay after a lung biopsy is dependent on which biopsy methodology is used. There are three main ways to biopsy the lungs: with a bronchoscope down the trachea, with a thin needle through the chest wall, or via a surgical incision performed by a surgeon. These three techniques are each useful for different things. A bronchoscope can reach things that are more centrally located and are useful for biopsy of certain types of lung conditions that affect the more peripheral lung tissue. Needle biopsies are useful for peripheral lung nodules and masses. Surgical biopsies with our without using video assistance are also useful for peripheral nodules and masses and are also very helpful for interstitial lung conditions like pulmonary fibrosis. Normally, biopsies using the bronchoscope or a needle are outpatient procedures and patients go home the same day after making sure that there is not bleeding or a collapsed lung. Patients needing a surgical biopsy must stay longer, but usually just a few days.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Loki Skylizardanswered
Thoracic Surgery 21 years experience
Depends: There are many variables. It is important you speak with the physician performing the biopsy. Some biopsies are performed in radiology with ct guidance, some are performed in or, etc... The techniques used and complications, if any, will dictate the answer to your question.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Michael Sandersanswered
Pulmonology 17 years experience
It all depends: There are 3 ways to get a biopsy - Image guided, bronchoscopy and open lung. Typically with no complications, you could go back to work the following day with an image guided biopsy and a bronchoscopic biopsy. An open lung biopsy usually requires a hospital stay of a few days.
669 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Aug 19, 2019
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