Pleural abrams biopsy: procedure, safety, side effects, and benefits

Definition

What is an Abrams pleural biopsy?

A pleural biopsy will remove small pieces of tissue from the double-layered (pleura) membrane that lines the outside of your lungs and the inside of your ribs. Your doctor may also take a fluid sample from the space between the layers (pleural cavity).

A pleural biopsy is a good method to confirm if you have tuberculosis. Any tissue and fluid that your doctor removes will be examined under a microscope to help explain why there is a problem and to decide on further treatment.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before having an Abrams pleural biopsy?

With current medical technology, pleural biopsy is considered a safe procedure. There is a risk of infection as are any procedure that involves pricking or dissecting the skin. There is also a risk of damage to the lung in the rare instances where a needle has penetrated the lung. excessive blood loss may also occur.

X-rays or scans can show that you have problems with your pleura. It may be possible to do a lung biopsy using x-rays, CT or ultrasound scans to help decide exactly where to take the sample.

Process

Generally, fasting is not required prior to the procedure.

Tell your doctor if you have a history of bleeding disorders or if you are taking anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners), aspirin, or other drugs that affect blood clotting. It may be necessary for you to stop using these medications before the procedure.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, you should tell your doctor.

You may have to undergo a diagnostic procedure, such as a chest x-ray, chest fluoroscopy, ultrasound, or CT scan, which is done before the procedure to help the doctor identify a specific location on the chest to perform the procedure.

Based on your medical condition, your doctor may ask for other special preparations.

Your doctor may offer you a sedative to help you relax.

Abrams pleural biopsy usually takes less than 20 minutes. This surgery involves making an incision and then inserting a biopsy instrument through the incision.

Your doctor will use a biopsy tool to and take a sample of the fluid.

You can go home after a few hours.

The healthcare team will talk to you about any medication or follow-up you need.

You can return to work the next day unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

If you have questions related to this test process, please consult your doctor for a better understanding.

Complications

What complications can occur?

• pain
• shortness of breath, chest tightness or a cough that gets worse
• allergic reactions
• pneumothorax
• bleeding from the surgical site of the biopsy
• infection of your pleural cavity

If you have any questions about possible complications, please consult your doctor for more information.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.