Percutaneous Biopsy

Percutaneous Biopsy

Treatment for:

Diagnosis of disease

Why it’s done:

Definitive diagnosis of disease often requires obtaining a sample of the tissue of interest for pathologic examination.

How it’s done:

An interventional radiologist uses CT or ultrasound to pass an introducer needle into the tissue of interest. Once position is confirmed, a biopsy needle is passed through the introducer needle and used to take samples until adequate tissue is obtained.

Level of anesthesia:

Conscious sedation or local anesthesia only

Risks:

Bleeding, infection, and damage to intervening structures

Post-procedure:

One to four hours of bed rest, depending on the site of biopsy

Follow-up:

With referring physician