Transbronchial Lung Biopsy (TBLB)

Lungs are one of the most crucial organs in human anatomy. More often than not, people ignore lung health due to a lack of awareness and medical information. Lung diseases are more common than you think, and diagnosing them often requires more than just imaging tests. 

Transbronchial Lung Biopsy (TBLB) is a minimally invasive procedure. It allows doctors to obtain lung tissue samples through bronchoscopy, avoiding the need for open surgery, which is highly invasive. TBLB helps in the accurate diagnosis of various lung conditions and facilitates precise treatment.

Transbronchial Lung Biopsy (TBLB) is a diagnostic procedure performed to obtain small samples of lung tissue. Using specialised biopsy forceps and a bronchoscope, the pulmonologist collects tissue samples from the lung parenchyma via the bronchial airways.

The tissue samples obtained are sent for histopathological examination to identify the type of infection, inflammatory condition, or malignancy. Some of the conditions that can be diagnosed with a TBLB include:

• Sarcoidosis
• Lung Tumours
• Pulmonary Infections
• Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

Pulmonary Fibrosis

TBLB is generally  recommended to patients who have the following conditions:

• Unexplained lung abnormalities are identified on imaging studies such as CT scans or X-rays.
• Interstitial or inflammatory lung diseases are suspected.
• A tissue diagnosis for pulmonary infections is needed.
• Lung lesions are identified during bronchoscopy.

A thorough pre-procedure assessment helps ensure that the patient benefits from the procedure and that risks are minimised for each patient. 

The procedure of Transbronchial Lung Biopsy is performed in a controlled environment in a bronchoscopy suite. 

• Pre-procedure Preparation

Before the procedure begins, blood and imaging tests are performed to provide a detailed analysis of the patient’s current medical condition. The patient is also advised to fast for a few hours.

• Anaesthesia and Sedation

The patient is given Local anaesthesia and intravenous sedation to numb the throat and ensure minimal discomfort.

• Bronchoscope Insertion

A thin, flexible bronchoscope is inserted from the nose into the lungs.

• Biopsy Collection

Using biopsy forceps, small tissue samples are collected from the targeted lung region. Fluoroscopy is used to carefully monitor the movement of the forceps through the bronchoscope to improve safety and accuracy.

• Post-procedure Monitoring

Once the procedure is concluded, the patient is moved to the monitoring area for a few hours. An X-ray of the chest may be performed to rule out potential complications, such as pneumothorax.

TBLB offers a plethora of benefits to the patients. Some of them include:

• Less invasive compared to extensive, highly surgical traditional biopsies
• Shorter duration of the procedure and recovery
• No external incisions or cuts are made
• Minimised chances of risks and less expensive than an open lung biopsy
• Saves a lot of time as performed on an outpatient basis

The hospital you choose for your treatment further affects the benefits you can receive.

A Transbronchial Lung Biopsy is generally considered a safe procedure. However, if proper care is not taken, some risk factors can surface. These include:

• Bleeding at the biopsy site
• Air leak from the lungs
• Infections at the biopsy site
• Temporary cough or sore throat

While there are no major complications, especially when the procedure is performed by experienced pulmonologists, extra care and caution can help reduce the risk of complications.

A few hours of observation and monitoring are necessary after a TBLB procedure to ensure the patient's condition remains stable. Mild discomfort in the throat, fatigue, and cough can be experienced but are generally temporary and can be resolved.

After the procedure, the patients are advised to:

• Avoid eating or drinking for a few hours
• Take complete rest for 1 to 2 days
• Avoid any intense physical activity or workouts for at least 24 hours
• Seek medical attention if discomfort persists

Most patients can return to routine tasks and normal activities within a day of the TBLB procedure.

Gleneagles Hospitals have advanced facilities for treating and diagnosing bronchoscopy-related health concerns. The hospital has consistently provided a seamless treatment experience to patients throughout its tenure in service. The stringent patient safety protocols and comprehensive services before and after the procedures make it a unique healthcare facility in the area.

Some of the key advantages include:

• Expertise and specialisation in advanced pulmonary diagnostics and treatment facilities.
• Modern bronchoscopy approach and imaging technologies for accurate results.
• Multidisciplinary treatment strategies for various lung diseases.
• Patient-centric care regime and international safety standards.

The medical and non-medical staff of the hospital ensure that every patient receives immediate medical assistance at all times and that optimal procedural outcomes are achieved.

TBLB, or Transbronchial Lung Biopsy, is a valuable procedure. The minimally invasive nature of the procedure makes it an effective method for identifying a broad range of lung diseases with minimal discomfort to the patient. 

By providing targeted results and accurate staging, TBLB comes up as an innovative solution. At Gleneagles Hospital, patients can benefit significantly from expert care, state-of-the-art technology, and a commitment to resilience and treatment excellence in pulmonary healthcare and patient satisfaction.