Fine needle puncture biopsy

Computerized imaging techniques (ultrasound and CT) are used to guide us through the procedure. It can be done by any technique but it is decided by one or another according to the type of alteration and previous studies.

When we use CT as a guide, we place the needle in the anomaly in question and confirm it by making a tomographic cut of the area.

When we use ultrasound, we confirm it by visualizing the needle in the lesion on the screen.

The cytopathologist is present during the procedure and will be in charge of making sure that there is enough material for the diagnosis, and if he or she does not consider it sufficient, it will be repeated as many times as deemed necessary.

Only very occasionally and due to multiple causes, the sample may not be diagnostic.

• You should not take drugs that may predispose you to bleeding (anti-inflammatory, anticoagulants...) You will be asked before the procedure.
• Let us know if you have any coagulation problems. However, coagulation tests will be performed before the procedure.
• To reduce the risk of bleeding, you should fast and rest with compression on the puncture site for about four hours after the test is performed.
• The skin is cleaned with an iodine solution to eradicate the bacteria living on it. Sterile, disposable materials (gloves, sterile needles) are used.
• The position of the needle is followed by imaging to avoid blood vessels and minimize the risk of bleeding.

• Bleeding: There is a small risk, which is directly proportional to the size of the needle used, so the risk of bleeding from FAPP is very low (unless there is a coagulation disorder) and this risk is slightly increased when thicker needles are used, but it is still a rare complication. It also depends on the area to be punctured, with liver biopsies being associated with a higher risk of bleeding because of their rich vascularization. In most cases the bleeding is limited and only requires a control of a few hours after the procedure.
• Pneumothorax (air leakage from the lung): represents a significant risk in lung biopsies. It does not require treatment unless it is large and then hospitalization will be necessary and a drainage tube will be placed to evacuate the air and seal the leak.
  There is a theoretical risk of infection, but it is very rare if sterility measures are met. If the pathology is of infectious origin, the risk is higher.

In case you have persistent pain that does not disappear after standard medication, shortness of breath, weakness, obnubilación, fever or chills should consult the doctor.