An USG / CT- Biopsy / FNAC is an image guided procedure where a needle is placed into the area of interest / tumor / collection under direct scan visualization and the representative sample is taken for tests.
Various USG Guided Biopsies / Aspirations / FNAC / Drains
The most common ultrasound biopsy procedures are of:
- Lymph nodes
- Breasts
- Liver
- Thyroid
- Chest wall
- Pleural fluid from lungs
- Abdominal fluids
- Abnormal collections
CT Guided Procedures of
- Bone / spine
- Lung mass
- Deep critical lesions
- Radiofrequency ablation / Microwave ablation
- Drains
Advantages Of Guided Procedures
- Direct live visualization
- Error free
- Less /no pain
- Avoiding multiple pricks
- Accurate
- Quick and safe
- Least complications / highly Successful
- No hospitalization / OP basis
Preparation for a Guided Procedure
- We only need 2-3 hours of fasting / sometimes fasting is not required before you visit the center.
- No special dietary preparation is required.
- If you are regularly taking any blood thinning medication, you may be asked to stop for a couple of days before the procedure(especially blood thinners such as Aspirin, Warfarin, Clexane).
- CBP, PT INR (Blood tests)
What to wear for a guided procedure?
You may need to change into a disposable gown, so you should try and wear something that is comfortable and easy to remove. It is recommended to remove any jewelry.
How long will the ultrasound-guided biopsy take?
The procedure will take between 20 to 45 minutes depending on the procedure.
What happens during an Ultrasound-guided Biopsy?
- You will be lying down on an examination table and a local anesthetic will be administered. You will be awake for the entire procedure.
- USG: Lesion is localized and a needle will be inserted after anesthesia. The needle will be carefully inserted and a tissue sample will be collected, several samples may be required. The entire process will be guided by ultrasound imaging.
- CT: Here the lesion is localized using CT scan and needle is placed, adjusted and confirmed on repeating short scans and sample is collected.
Is the procedure painful?
Good local anesthesia will be given so that it is totally pain free or to the maximum you feel it like an injection experience as like taking a normal injection on the shoulder.
Post procedure Instructions
- After the procedure, a dressing is applied. And put under observation for 30-60 min. An analgesic such as ultracet / combiflam may be taken for a day or two if there is any pain.
- If you experience any symptoms you are concerned about, see your doctor immediately.
Risks and Complications
There is 2 - 5% risk of bleeding / pneumothorax, patient condition & cooperation, critical location of lesions or medications which may impact the biopsy or the results.
