Medical Health Encyclopedia

Open pleural biopsy

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Lungs Incision for pleural tissue biopsy Pleural cavity

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Open pleural biopsy

Definition:

The pleura is the membrane lining the chest cavity and covering the lungs. In an open pleural biopsy, a sample of the pleura is taken through an incision made in the chest wall. It is then examined for abnormalities in the laboratory.

Alternative Names:
Biopsy - open pleura

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How the test is performed:

This procedure is done in the hospital using general anesthesia (the patient is unconscious and pain-free). During the procedure, you are given a mixture of anesthetic gas and oxygen through a tube that is inserted through your mouth and into the trachea.

An incision is made in the chest on the left or right side. A sample is taken from the pleura (lung membrane) under direct observation. After the sample is obtained, a chest tube is placed and the incision is stitched closed.

How to prepare for the test:

You will be asked not to eat or drink for 8 hours before the test. You must sign a consent form.

For infants and children:

The preparation you can provide for this procedure depends on your child's age and experience. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:

• Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• Schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel:

You will be asleep during the procedure. There will be some tenderness and pain at the site of the incision afterwards. You may have a sore throat after the test due to the breathing tube.