MINIMALLY INVASIVE TREATMENT
Image-Guided Biopsy & Drainage
Image-guided biopsy and drainage are minimally invasive procedures used to obtain tissue samples or drain abnormal fluid collections from the body under real-time imaging guidance. These procedures help in accurate diagnosis and safe management of various medical conditions.
What Are Image-Guided Biopsy & Drainage
Image-guided biopsy involves obtaining tissue or fluid samples from organs or lesions using imaging techniques such as ultrasound or CT to ensure accuracy and safety.
Image-guided drainage involves placement of a needle or catheter to remove abnormal fluid collections, abscesses, or collections that cannot resolve with medical treatment alone.
These procedures are performed without open surgery and are commonly used for diagnosis and symptom relief.
When Are These Procedures Considered?
Image-guided biopsy or drainage may be considered in patients with:
- Suspicious masses or lesions requiring diagnosis
- Organ abnormalities involving liver, kidney, lung, lymph nodes, or soft tissue
- Fluid collections such as abscesses or infected collections
- Pleural, abdominal, or pelvic fluid accumulation
- Need for cytology or tissue diagnosis (FNAC / biopsy)
Suitability is determined after clinical assessment and imaging review.
Types of Procedures Performed
Image-Guided Biopsy
- CT-guided or ultrasound-guided organ biopsy
- FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology)
- Core needle biopsy for tissue diagnosis
Image-Guided Drainage
- Pigtail catheter placement
- Abscess or fluid collection drainage
- Pleural, abdominal, or pelvic fluid tapping
How Biopsy & Drainage Procedures Are Performed
- Procedures are performed under ultrasound or CT guidance
- Local anesthesia is commonly used
- A needle or catheter is precisely guided to the target area
- Tissue samples or fluid are collected safely
- Drainage catheters may remain temporarily if required
Potential Advantages of Image-Guided Procedures
- Minimally invasive, image-guided approach
- Accurate targeting of deep or difficult-to-reach areas
- Avoids open surgical procedures
- Faster recovery and reduced procedural risk
Recovery and Aftercare
Most patients are observed for a short period after the procedure. Follow-up instructions are provided based on the type of biopsy or drainage performed and the patient’s overall condition.
Recovery recommendations vary based on individual clinical factors and should be followed as advised by the treating doctor.
Risks and Considerations
Like all interventional procedures, biopsy and drainage have potential risks, including:
- Pain or discomfort at the procedure site
- Bleeding or bruising
- Infection (uncommon)
- Incomplete sampling or need for repeat procedure
Not all patients experience these effects, and risks vary depending on the organ involved and patient factors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these procedures surgical?
No. Image-guided biopsy and drainage are minimally invasive procedures performed without open surgery.
Is hospital admission required?
Many procedures are performed on a day-care basis, though observation may be required depending on the procedure and patient condition.
How long does the procedure take?
Procedure duration varies depending on the site and complexity and is determined at the time of evaluation.
Consult for Biopsy & Drainage Evaluation
Clinical assessment and imaging studies help determine the most appropriate diagnostic or drainage approach for each patient.