Transbronchial Biopsy

A transbronchial lung biopsy is a procedure that uses a bronchoscope to remove a small sample of your lung tissue.

A bronchoscope is a flexible telescope with a tiny camera so your doctor can examine your airways. Your surgeon passes a bronchoscope through your nose or mouth and down into your lungs. They then pass tiny forceps down one of your airways into your lung and take samples of your lung tissue. Saline fluid may be used to flush the area and to collect cells.

A lung biopsy allows your lung tissue to be tested for many kinds of diseases, including infections, pulmonary disease, benign tumours and polyps, and cancer. A lung biopsy can also be performed to determine the type of lung cancer and to assess the stage of a known malignancy.

A bronchoscopy with biopsy, also called a transbronchial biopsy, usually takes less than half an hour. It is usually performed in an outpatient or day case department.

If you are having a lung biopsy by open surgery, then you will be given a general anaesthetic that prevents pain and puts you to sleep through the test.

If you are having a transbronchial lung biopsy, then you won’t be put to sleep. You will be given a local anaesthetic to help numb your nose and throat and a sedative to help you relax. This is because a transbronchial lung biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure.

The recovery process after a transbronchial biopsy is relatively quick and painless.

You can expect to be able to go back to work or your daily routine after 24 hours of your transbronchial biopsy. If you had a sedative, you should avoid driving, operating machinery, and drinking alcohol for 24 hours.

It is safe to eat and drink once your ability to cough, called the cough or gag reflex, has returned, typically within two hours.

You may have some throat discomfort and pain with swallowing for a few days.

It is not recommended that you fly for one month after having a transbronchial biopsy.

You will be advised of the findings of your transbronchial biopsy and your biopsy results once available. We will discuss with you any follow-up treatment you may need.

You will receive a formal quotation price following your consultation with one of our expert surgeons when a transbronchial biopsy is the recommended procedure for you. This formal quote for your transbronchial biopsy surgery will be valid for 60 days and includes unlimited aftercare.

Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. Transbronchial biopsy is covered by most medical insurance policies. We advise you to obtain written authorisation from your insurance provider before starting your treatment.

We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your transbronchial lung biopsy surgery yourself. These include:

• Interest-free finance – 0% interest, no deposit and affordable monthly instalments.
• All-inclusive Total Care - one-off pre-agreed payment for access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance.
• Pay as you go – flexible funding to pay for treatment as and when costs arise. Often used if your treatment costs are difficult to assess.

All Ramsay hospital follow strict safety protocols to keep patients and staff safe.