Pleural Biopsy

A pleural biopsy is a diagnostic procedure in which a small tissue sample is obtained from the pleural lining, the thin membrane surrounding the lungs and inner chest wall. It may be performed to diagnose the cause of pleural effusion fluid accumulation, pleural thickening, or a pleural tumour. The minimally-invasive pleural surgical procedure is generally considered safe with a low risk of complications.

What Is a Pleural Biopsy?

The pleura is a thin membrane that lines the inside of the chest and lungs. Its main function is to protect the lungs and allow for regular respiratory function. The pleura secretes a fluid to lubricate the lungs to allow it to expand and contract with each breath. However, the tissue can become affected by different conditions, such as infections or cancer, which prevents the lungs from functioning properly. To check on the health of the pleura, a surgeon will conduct a pleural biopsy, extracting a section of the pleura to test for any diseases or abnormalities.

A common reason for conducting a pleural biopsy is if there is pleural effusion. This means the liquid being secreted by the pleura is accumulating in the pleural cavity. This excess fluid stops the lungs from expanding fully and causes discomfort, shortness of breath, and sharp chest pains.

Sometimes, pleural effusion occurs without a significant cause. Often it is a symptom of a larger dysfunction. As such, it is common for patients with pleural effusion to undergo a pleural biopsy to determine the root cause of their condition. Other reasons to undergo a pleural biopsy include investigating an abnormal marking on a chest X-ray, ascertaining if a pleural tumour is malignant or benign, or to gather more data after a pleural fluid test.

How Will A Pleural Biopsy Be Performed?

Neumark surgeons perform a surgical pleural biopsy technique via a minimally-invasive approach. We use the latest technology for your safety and comfort. Our leading approach is via uniportal video-assisted surgery (U-VATS).

U-VATS allows our surgeons to identify the pleural lesion accurately, before extracting and examining it. This is through the thoracoscope, a thin, flexible long tube with a high-definition camera at its end that provides the surgeon with real-time visuals of the pleural space.

Following U-VATS, a tissue sample will be sent to the lab to be tested. Some patients may go through an additional X-ray following the pleural biopsy results. Depending on the health of the patient, and a range of other concerns, the patient may be allowed to go home the same day of the surgery, or may be kept for a longer duration for observation.

After the operation, strenuous physical activity should be avoided for a few days while the body recovers. It is also normal for the area where the extraction took place to be sore or tender as the body heals from the operation.

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FAQs about Pleural Biopsies

What are pleural biopsy indications and complications?

At Neumark, our surgeons use the latest technology and advanced techniques to ensure your surgery is safe. Like any other surgery, there are potential risks involved. The minimally-invasive approach used by Neumark surgeons significantly reduces the risk of pleural biopsy complications. A specific risk of a pleural biopsy is pneumothorax, where air bubbles collect in the pleural space. This occurs in roughly 4 out of 100 patients. However, the condition often resolves itself shortly after presenting, and is treatable if the condition persists.

Should I get a pleural biopsy?

This depends on what your condition is. It is not advisable to go for a pleural biopsy with no reason at all. It is recommended only for patients who may have a condition that needs to be better understood. For example, patients with a blemish on a recent X-ray, pleural effusion, or potential cancer should undergo a pleural biopsy to gather information on their condition. In some cases, such as diagnosing a pleural tumour, it may be important to get the biopsy sooner rather than later so that treatment can commence. A pleural biopsy is a minimally-invasive procedure and should not be avoided if there is cause for concern.

How long will it take for me to know the results of my pleural biopsy?

This varies but results should be received from our lab in 5 to 7 working days. We understand that this is a stressful period and will work swiftly to provide you with your results, without compromising on the diagnosing process.

What's the difference between a pleural biopsy vs lung biopsy?

Distinguishing between pleural and lung biopsies is essential for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of thoracic diseases. While a pleural biopsy involves obtaining a tissue sample from the pleura, to test for conditions such as mesothelioma and pleurisy; while a lung biopsy requires the collection of lung tissue to assess conditions such as pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer.

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Comprehensive Private Consultations

Neumark Lung and Chest Surgery Centre benefits from the expertise of a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Harish Mithiran, senior consulting thoracic surgeon at Gleneagles Hospital.

Neumark is a lung specialist centre with access to leading treatment modalities to achieve the best possible outcomes for lung disease and preventative patient screening. Our foremost priority is to treat your condition as effectively as possible. Schedule a private consultation today; complete the form below, call, +65 6908 2145; WhatsApp, +65 9726 2485; or email, info@neumarksurgery.com.