CT-Guided Biopsy

CT-guided biopsy is the collection of a tissue sample using a needle directed with CT images. It allows the needle to reach a lesion inside the body accurately without open surgery.

Common indications

CT-guided biopsy is performed to determine the type of a lesion, such as a tumor in the lung, liver, kidney, lymph node, or bone. The sample is sent to a pathology laboratory for further analysis.

The procedure is often chosen because it is less invasive than surgery and can be performed as an outpatient procedure in many cases.

How the procedure is done

The patient lies on the CT table, and the target area is scanned to plan a safe needle path. The skin is cleaned and numbed with local anesthesia before the needle is inserted.

The doctor advances the needle gradually, with periodic scans to confirm its position. After the sample is taken, the site is pressed and monitored briefly.

Risks and aftercare

Possible risks include small bleeding, pain, or pneumothorax in lung biopsies. The doctor will explain specific risks before the procedure and ask for written consent.

After the procedure, the patient is asked to rest and to report severe pain, shortness of breath, or bleeding that does not stop.

Key points

• Performed by a specialist team.
• There is a small bleeding risk, which is explained before the procedure.

Educational information, not a substitute for medical advice.