Pleural Biopsy Treatment in India
About Pleural Biopsy
Key Highlights
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Provides a definitive tissue diagnosis for unexplained pleural diseases.Guides targeted treatment plans for infections, cancers, or inflammatory conditions.Minimally invasive compared to open surgical biopsy, often performed with imaging guidance.Performed by a specialist (pathologist/interventional radiologist) for precise sample collection.Critical for differentiating between benign and malignant causes of pleural effusion.
Who is this surgery for?
- Unexplained pleural effusion (fluid in the chest cavity) detected on X-ray or CT scan.
- Suspected malignancy such as mesothelioma, metastatic lung cancer, or lymphoma.
- Suspected tuberculous or fungal infection of the pleura.
- Evaluation of persistent chest pain or thickening of the pleural lining.
- Diagnosis of autoimmune or inflammatory conditions affecting the pleura (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis).
- When less invasive tests like thoracentesis (fluid analysis) are inconclusive.
How to prepare
- Complete blood tests, coagulation profile, and imaging (CT scan) are reviewed.
- Disclosure of all medications, especially blood thinners (aspirin, warfarin), which may need to be paused.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure if sedation or general anesthesia is planned.
- Informed consent process explaining the procedure, benefits, and potential risks.
- An intravenous (IV) line may be placed for administering fluids or sedatives.
Risks & possible complications
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) requiring chest tube placement.
- Bleeding at the biopsy site or into the pleural space (hemothorax).
- Infection at the needle insertion site or within the pleural space (empyema).
- Pain or discomfort at the biopsy site, typically managed with analgesics.
- Rare risk of injury to nearby organs like the liver or spleen.
- Vasovagal reaction (dizziness, fainting) during the procedure.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Immediate monitoring for 2-4 hours for signs of pneumothorax or bleeding.
- A chest X-ray is often taken post-procedure to check lung expansion.
- Mild pain or soreness at the biopsy site is common; prescribed pain relievers can help.
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and driving for 24-48 hours.
- Keep the biopsy site clean and dry; watch for signs of infection (redness, fever).
- Follow-up with the doctor to discuss pathology results, usually within 5-7 days.
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Typical hospital stay:
0-1 days
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Expected recovery time:
3-7 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering pleural biopsy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pathology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform pleural biopsy. MediFyr helps you compare pathologist specialists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for pleural biopsy compare across other countries where we have data.
Vikram Bhatia, a 58-year-old retired school...
Vikram Bhatia, a 58-year-old retired school principal, had always been active and health-conscious. For three months, he experienced a persistent dry cough and a dull ache in his right side that worsened when he took a deep breath. A chest X-ray revealed a significant pleural effusion. After two therapeutic thoracenteses drained fluid that quickly returned, his pulmonologist recommended a pleural biopsy to obtain a tissue diagnosis, suspecting a possible malignancy like mesothelioma, given Vikram's history of living in an old building with possible asbestos exposure. The procedure, guided by ultrasound, was performed under local anesthesia. Vikram felt pressure and some discomfort but remained still, focusing on his breathing. The pathologist's analysis of the tissue revealed a diagnosis of chronic fibrinous pleuritis, a benign inflammatory condition, not cancer. The relief was overwhelming. While he needed a short course of anti-inflammatory medication and time for the biopsy site to heal, Vikram's emotional journey shifted from a terrifying fear of a terminal diagnosis to profound gratitude and a renewed commitment to his health.
Pathologist Specialists for Pleural Biopsy
Explore experienced pathologist specialists who regularly perform pleural biopsy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 33 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 33 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 29 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 29 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 27 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 23 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 21 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 20 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 20 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 19 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 19 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 18 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 18 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 18 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 15 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 13 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 10 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 6 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 22 Years Experience
- Pathologist Specialist
Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur