Image Guided Biopsy
Definition
What is an image guided percutaneous biopsy?
A biopsy is a procedure which obtains a specimen of tissue for microscopic examination by a medical specialist (pathologist). This often provides precise diagnosis so that you and your doctor can make the best possible treatment decisions. Only a few years ago, most biopsies required a surgical operation. Today, medical equipment such as Ultrasound, CT and Fluoroscopy not only take internal images of the body, but can guide minimally invasive, percutaneous (through the skin) fine needle aspirations or core biopsies under local anaesthetic with rapid recovery and minimal risk.
Preparation
If there is a possibility that you are pregnant, please inform your physician before the procedure, as the procedure may have to be postponed or cancelled.
If you are taking prescribed anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as Coumadin, Aspirin, Plavix or arthritis medication, you should consult your physician for instructions prior to the procedure. Other patients should not take Aspirin for five (5) days prior to their biopsy. If a pain medication is required.
You are not required to fast before your biopsy. You should, however, observe a light diet within six (6) hours of your appointment and take only fluids within three (3) hours of your appointment.
Please come for your biopsy with a responsible adult who can drive or accompany you home.
After checking in with the Diagnostic Imaging Department, you will be given preliminary instruction by a radiographer who will direct you to ultrasound, CT or X-ray area for your biopsy. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. The radiologist will then explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have.
The Procedure
This procedure will be performed by a radiologist (a specialist medical doctor). A nurse/radiographer will assist. After initial scanning to localize the area of interest and plan the biopsy approach, the skin will be prepared with antiseptic solution and then draped to reduce the risk of infection. Local anesthetic is then injected. A small incision may be made to allow easy placement of the biopsy needle. One or more biopsies will then be obtained. The radiologist may give you special instructions during the procedure such as brief breath-holding as required.
Image guided percutaneous biopsy may take between 15 - 60 minutes.
Are there any side-effects from this procedure?
Most percutaneous biopsies are very well tolerated with only minimal discomfort afterwards. Analgesia/sedation may be used if required. You should not physically exert yourself for 24 hours but can immediately resume normal activities as you feel capable.
The primary risk of this procedure is bleeding but only rarely requires treatment such as transfusion. Other complications such as infection, puncturing other organs, pneumothorax (collapsed lung) are also very uncommon but if associated with your particular procedure will be further discussed by the radiologist before asking for your signed consent.
If you experience increasing pain, vomiting or fever after returning home, seek medical attention by contacting the Diagnostic Imaging Department, your own physician or your nearest Emergency Department.
Obtaining the Results
Your physician will receive separate written reports from the radiologist and pathologist within 7 days. You should obtain these results from your own physician. If there is any urgency, your physician is more than welcome to contact the Diagnostic Imaging Department by telephone.
Contacting us
If you have any questions about your examination or there is something you think we should be aware of prior to your procedure, please contact the Diagnostic Imaging Department:
Tel no: 01 526 2060
Fax no: 01 526 2061