Information for patients > Services > Imaging guided biopsy, drainage and joint injection
Image-guided biopsy, drainage and joint injection
Information for patients
It is perfectly understandable to be apprehensive when you arrive for an investigation, but staff at all our sites are kind, friendly, informative and helpful and will help you to feel relaxed and calm. The information below should give you a reasonable idea about how to prepare for your particular type of investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Image-guided biopsy, drainage and joint injection
What is an image-guided biopsy?
How do I prepare for a biopsy?
What happens to me during a biopsy procedure?
How long does an image-guided biopsy take?
Should I expect any effects from a biopsy procedure?
When and how will I know the results of the biopsy?
What is image-guided drainage?
How is image-guided drainage carried out?
What happens after a drainage procedure?
What are the risks of complications after a drainage procedure?
What is an image-guided joint injection?
What are the risks of joint injection?
What should I expect after a joint injection?
What is a biopsy?
A biopsy is a procedure which obtains a specimen of tissue for microscopic examination by a pathologist, in order to provide precise diagnosis so that you and your doctor can make the best treatment decisions.
What is an image-guided biopsy?
Until a few years ago, most biopsies required a surgical operation. Today, medical imaging equipment such as ultrasound, CT and fluoroscopy can be used to guide percutaneous (through the skin) biopsies. This is far less invasive than surgery, has minimal risk and allows the patient to make a swifter recovery.
How do I prepare for a biopsy?
If there is a possibility that you are pregnant, please inform us before the procedure as the procedure may need to be postponed or cancelled.
You will need to let us know well in advance if you are taking anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin, clopidogrel (Plavix) or aspirin as these may need to be stopped for a few days before the biopsy. You may be required to fast for a few hours before your biopsy - if so, you will be informed when you receive your appointment.
Please come for your biopsy with a responsible adult who can drive or accompany you home.
What happens to me during a biopsy procedure?
You may be asked to change into a hospital gown. The radiologist will then explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you may have.
After initial scanning to localize the area of interest and plan the biopsy approach, the skin will be prepared with antiseptic solution and then draped to reduce the risk of infection. Local anesthetic is then injected to numb the area and a small (1/8") incision made to allow easy placement of the biopsy needle. The radiologist may give you special instructions during the procedure such as brief breath-holding as required. The biopsy needle usually makes a clicking noise when it takes the biopsy. You may feel a pushing sensation but you should not experience any pain after the local anaesthetic has taken effect.
How long does an image-guided biopsy take?
Image guided percutaneous biopsy usually takes about 30 minutes, most of which is spent explaining and preparing the procedure. Recovery time will depend on the area biopsied - you may need to stay for a period of observation of up to 4 hours.
Should I expect any effects after a biopsy procedure?
Most patients cope with percutaneous biopsies very well, and experience only minimal discomfort afterwards. You can immediately resume normal activities as you feel capable, but do not physically exert yourself for 24 hours. There may be a little bleeding afterwards, but the risk of serious bleeding or other complications is very low.
When and how will I know the results of the biopsy?
Your doctor should receive a written report from the pathologist about a week after the biopsy, and will then see you to discuss the results.
What is image-guided drainage?
Image-guided drainage is the ability to drain infected fluid collections (abscesses) percutaneously (through the skin). Before this now commonplace procedure, it was usually necessary for the patient to undergo major surgery in order for the infected fluid to be removed.
How is image-guided drainage carried out?
Preparation will be similar to that for a biopsy (see above), and you will be given local anaesthetic to numb the area. Ultrasound or CT is used to locate the abscess (or whatever fluid requires to be drained) and to provide guidance for insertion of the drain. The drain will usually be a small flexible plastic tube (catheter) with holes at the end to allow the fluid to drain out. The catheter will be attached to a bag to collect the fluid.
What happens after a drainage procedure?
You will be asked to observe the drainage catheter carefully so that it does not get displaced. Once drainage from the catheter reduces to a minimum and the doctors are satisfied that all the fluid has been drained, the catheter will be removed.
What are the risks of complications after a drainage procedure?
As with any interventional procedure and the placement of needles within the abdominal cavity there is a risk of infection, bleeding or perforation of bowel. However, with sophisticated imaging equipment and appropriate expertise these risks are very small.
What is an image-guided joint injection?
An image-guided joint injection is an injection of local anaesthetic and/or steroid into a joint (such as the shoulder or hip) using X-rays, ultrasound or CT to guide the injection. Joint injections are usually done to treat inflammation and reduce pain or discomfort.
What are the risks of joint injection?
These are very common procedures that have little risk. It is possible to have a small amount of bruising or minor bleeding into the joint. There is a very small risk of infection being introduced into the joint and, very rarely, the needle tip may cause damage to the cartilage within the joint.
What should I expect after a joint injection?
For a few hours after the examination your joint may feel numb or uncomfortable. Continue to use your joint so that it does not become stiff, but avoid heavy exercise or placing excessive strain on the joint for the week following the procedure. Once the anaesthetic wears off, the pain may initially feel worse in the joint before it improves. Some people experience long-term pain relief after an injection, while others may find that the joint pain slowly returns. If the joint becomes red, warm or tender, or if you develop a fever in the first few days after the examination, please consult your GP.
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