Transbronchial Lung Biopsy

Transbronchial Lung Biopsy (TBLB) is a minimally invasive procedure performed during a bronchoscopy to obtain small samples of lung tissue for diagnosis, especially when evaluating diffuse lung diseases or suspicious lung lesions.

Why It's Done (Indications):

• Diagnose Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD), sarcoidosis, infections, rejection in lung transplant, or lung cancers
• Assess abnormalities seen on chest X-ray or CT scan
• Evaluate persistent, unexplained lung infiltrates

How the Procedure Is Done:

• The procedure is performed during a flexible bronchoscopy.
• After sedation and local anesthesia, a bronchoscope is passed through the nose or mouth into the lungs.
• A special instrument (biopsy forceps) is inserted through the bronchoscope to pinch off small tissue samples from the lung.
• Multiple samples are usually taken from different areas.

Advantages:

• Less invasive than surgical lung biopsy
• Performed on an outpatient basis or with a short hospital stay
• Valuable for diagnosing a variety of diffuse lung diseases

Aftercare and Follow-Up:

• A chest X-ray may be done after the procedure to rule out pneumothorax.
• Rest for several hours and avoid strenuous activity for the rest of the day.
• Report shortness of breath, chest pain, or persistent bleeding immediately.