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Single versus multiple lung biopsies for suspected interstitial lung disease
Mohammed Khalil1, Michael Cowen2, Mubarak Chaudhry2
1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Castle Hill Hospital, Cottingham, UK wesam@doctor.com.
Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals
|August 19, 2016
Summary
A single lung biopsy is sufficient for diagnosing interstitial lung disease when guided by imaging. Multiple biopsies do not improve diagnostic yield but increase complications and hospital stay.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pathology
Background:
- Suspected interstitial lung disease (ILD) diagnosis often involves lung biopsies.
- A common clinical belief is that multiple biopsies from different lung lobes increase diagnostic yield.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic yield and postoperative outcomes of single versus multiple lung biopsies in patients with suspected ILD.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 115 patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic lung biopsy for suspected ILD (2009-2015).
- Patients were grouped into single or multiple biopsy cohorts.
- High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) guided biopsy site selection.
Main Results:
- A histological diagnosis was achieved in all 115 patients.
- The multiple-biopsy group experienced significantly longer chest drainage duration (p=0.033) and postoperative hospital stay (p=0.012).
Conclusions:
- A single lung biopsy, when guided by HRCT and a multidisciplinary approach, is sufficient for diagnosing ILD.
- Multiple biopsies offer no diagnostic advantage, are less cost-effective, and are linked to increased morbidity and longer hospital stays.
