Percutaneous Biopsy

What is ‘percutaneous biopsy’?

‘Percutaneous’ means ‘through the skin’.

A ‘biopsy’ is the method of taking a small piece of tissue out of the body, using only a tiny incision and a special needle. A pathologist, an expert in examining tissue samples, can then look at it under a microscope.

Why do I need a percutaneous biopsy?

You may have had an ultrasound scan, MR or a CT scan which may have shown that there is an area of abnormal tissue inside your body. It is not always possible to determine the cause of these abnormalities on scans alone. The simplest way to make a diagnosis is to take a tissue sample for a pathologist to examine.

Who has made the decision?

The consultant in charge of your case and a radiologist will have discussed your case and feel this is the best way of making the diagnosis and planning your treatment.

Who will be performing the percutaneous biopsy?

A doctor called a radiologist who has been specially trained will perform your procedure.

Where will the biopsy take place?

In the X-ray Department, either in the CT scanning room or a ‘special procedures’ room, with an ultrasound machine.

Is there any preparation?

A blood test called a clotting screen will be required, and certain blood thinning medications will need to be stopped prior to your appointment. The radiology nurses will contact you to discuss these. You should continue to take your regular medication as usual.

Day of the procedure

You can eat and drink as normal on the day of the procedure.

You should be prepared to be in hospital for a few hours to recover from the procedures so please bring something to keep you occupied.

Consent

The radiologist will explain all the risks, benefits before asking you to sign a consent form. If you are unsure about any aspect of the treatment proposed, please do not hesitate to ask questions.

What happens during the biopsy?

A nurse will take your details and record your blood pressure, pulse etc. you will remain on your bed/trolley whilst a preliminary scan is done of the area being biopsied. The radiologist will then clean the skin with antiseptic to help avoid infection. We will keep everything as sterile as possible; you will have part of your body covered with a sterile towel. The skin and deeper tissues will be anaesthetised with a local anaesthetic; this will sting briefly before the tissues go numb. The radiologist will make a tiny cut and then insert the biopsy needle. We will continue to scan you to ensure that we have achieved the best position before taking some samples of the abnormal tissue.  A small plaster will be placed over the biopsy site at the end.

How long will it take?

Every patient’s situation is different, and it is not always easy to predict how difficult the procedure will be. The biopsy may take about 30 minutes.

Will it hurt?

You will feel stinging as the local anaesthetic is given and then pressure on the skin as the biopsy needle is inserted. After the biopsy it is common to experience some pain at the biopsy site. You can take oral painkillers for this. There will be a member of the nursing team by your side during the procedure to provide comfort/reassurance.

What happens afterwards?

You will be taken to your ward on a bed or trolley. Nursing staff will monitor your blood pressure, pulse, wound site etc. You will generally stay in bed for a few hours, until you have recovered. The nurse’s will provide you with lunch and drinks during your recovery, but you can bring them in with you if you prefer.

If you are well enough you will be allowed home later that day, or you may need to stay overnight.

You must:

• Have a responsible adult to collect you, as you cannot drive home or travel on public transport
• Have someone to stay with you for the first night just in case your wound bleeds or you feel unwell
• Have access to a telephone
• Not drive for 48 hours port biopsy. If you feel well enough too, you can drive after this.

After care advice:

• The next day you may have a bath or shower, removing any plasters.
• Refrain from work, exercise or heavy lifting for two days following your biopsy.

Please contact your GP if:

• There is any unusual redness, swelling or bleeding at the biopsy site
• Your temperature is 38C (100.4 F) or greater
• You experience pain that is not relieved with paracetamol.

Follow-up

You will not get the results of your biopsy before you leave, as it takes a few days to do all the necessary tests on the biopsy specimen. Your referring consultant or a member of their team will see you in clinic approximately two to four weeks after the procedure.

What are some of the risks and complications?

Normally a percutaneous biopsy is a safe procedure, but there are some risks and complications, which can arise, as with any medical treatment.

There is usually very little bleeding, which stops quickly. Bleeding internally occurs rarely. Very rarely, a blood transfusion, an operation or another radiological procedure is required to stop the bleeding.

The most usual complication is pain after the procedure as described earlier, which may take several hours to settle.

Occasionally, despite taking every possible care, the piece of tissue obtained is not from the affected area, or it may not be enough for the pathologist to make a definite diagnosis. In these cases it may be necessary to do another biopsy.

Finally

We hope that you have found this leaflet useful. If you have any questions or you are worried about anything please discuss it with your referring consultant, your family doctor (GP) or the radiology sister on 01305 255276.

Make sure you are satisfied that you have received enough information about the procedure, before you sign the consent form.

About this leaflet

Author: Michelle De La Haye, Radiology Sister
Written: August 2018
Updated and approved: June 2025
Review date: June 2028
Edition: v4

If you have feedback regarding the accuracy of the information contained in this leaflet, or if you would like a list of references used to develop this leaflet, please email patientinformation.leaflets@dchft.nhs.uk