Transthoracic lung biopsies

Abstract

This study presents current indications, contraindications, technical aspects and complications of percutaneous lung biopsy. Percutaneous lung biopsy with ultrasonography (US), fluoroscopic or computed tomographic (CT) guidance is a well-established and safe method for diagnosing malignant and benign thoracic lesions. CT guided percutaneous biopsy is performed the most. Biopsy needles are divided into two categories, aspiration needles providing cytology and cutting needles able to provide histology samples. Complications included pneumothorax (0-61%), haemoptysis (5-10%) and death (0.02%). If there is no complications at 1 h post -procedure, patients can be discharged. In conclusion, percutaneous transthoracic lung biopsy, which is widely used, has a high accuracy in diagnosing lung malignancy.