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Lifespan’s A - Z Health Information Library |
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Open pleural biopsyDefinitionAn open pleural biopsy is a procedure to remove and examine the tissue that lines the inside of the chest. This tissue is called the pleura. Alternative NamesBiopsy - open pleura How the Test is PerformedAn open pleural biopsy is done in the hospital using general anesthesia, which means you are asleep and do not feel pain during the surgery. A tube will be placed down your throat to help you breathe. The surgeon will make a cut in the left or right side of the chest. A piece of tissue is taken from the chest area, and sent to a laboratory for examination. After surgery, the wound is closed with stitches. How to Prepare for the TestYou will be asked not to eat or drink for 8 hours before the test. How the Test Will FeelYou will be asleep during the procedure. There will be some tenderness and pain where the surgical cut is located. You may have a sore throat after the test due to the breathing tube. Why the Test is PerformedThis procedure is used when the surgeon needs a larger piece of tissue than that which can be removed with a pleural needle biopsy. It is also performed when there are no body fluids in the pleura or when a direct view of the pleura and the lungs is necessary. This procedure may also be done to examine a metastatic pleural tumor. Normal ResultsThe pleura will be normal. What Abnormal Results MeanAbnormal findings may suggest:
RisksThere is a slight chance of:
Review Date: 10/10/2008
Reviewed By: Robert A. Cowles, MD, Assistant Professor of Surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. The information provided herein should not be used during any
medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical
condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for
diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911
for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for
information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those
other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the
information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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