A lung biopsy is a procedure in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the  child’s lung and sent to the laboratory for analysis. The biopsy helps to determine if a lung lesion (an abnormal spot) is due to an infection or an immune disorder, or is a tumor or growth.

A lung biopsy is an interventional procedure performed to diagnose lung pathology by obtaining a small piece of lung which is examined under a microscope. Beyond microscopic examination for cellular morphology and architecture, special stains and cultures can be performed on the tissue obtained. 

Using ultrasound or CT scan for guidance, a special hollow needle can be inserted through the skin of the chest, directly into the area of interest in the lung. Then, several small pieces of tissue can be obtained for testing. The tissue obtained may be very small for the biopsy. 

Thoracoscopic lung biopsy provides more and bigger sample. It is done under vision and under anaesthesia. A camera port is introduced with the patient in lateral position. 2 working ports are introduced for retraction of the lung and the other for introducing the endoloop. Once the lung tissue to be biopsied is identified, it is grasped inside the endoloop and excised. A intercostal drain is kept in situ and port sites closed.