Pleural Biopsy and Drainage
This page will give you information about a pleural biopsy
and drainage. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or
other relevant health professional.
What is a pleural biopsy and drainage?
A pleural biopsy involves removing a small piece of tissue from
the lining of your chest. Usually your doctor will also take a
sample of fluid from the space between your lung and ribcage
(called the pleural space) (see figure 1). If a lot of fluid has
collected, your doctor will drain the fluid.
The tissue and any fluid that your doctor removes will be
examined under a microscope to help explain why the fluid has
collected and to decide on any further treatment.
Are there any alternatives to a pleural biopsy and
drainage?
An x-ray or scan can show that you have fluid and your doctor
can drain any fluid using a needle. It is possible to perform a
lung biopsy or a transbronchial biopsy.
What does the procedure involve?
Your doctor may offer you a sedative to help you relax.
A pleural biopsy and drainage usually takes less than twenty
minutes. It involves making a cut and then placing a biopsy
instrument through the cut.
Your doctor will use a biopsy instrument to take biopsies and
drain any fluid.
What complications can happen?
- Pain
- Breathlessness, chest tightness or worsening cough
- Allergic reaction
- Pneumothorax
- Bleeding from a biopsy site
- Infection in the pleural space
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home after a few hours.
A member of the healthcare team will discuss with you any
treatment or follow-up you need.
You should be able to go back to work the day after the procedure
unless you are told otherwise.
Summary
A pleural biopsy and drainage is usually a safe and effective
way of finding out why fluid is collecting in the space between
your lungs and ribcage, and treating your symptoms.
Acknowledgements
Author: Dr David Baldwin MD FRCP
Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM
This document is intended for information purposes only and
should not replace advice that your relevant health professional
would give you.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare
Limited
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The information should not replace advice that your relevant
health professional would give you.
Hospitals offering this treatment