CT Guided Biopsy / Ultrasound: Aftercare
Following your Ultrasound or CT Guided Biopsy, you may need to stay in hospital overnight to allow you to recover from the general anaesthetic or you may be discharged on the same day. It depends on your rate of recovery.
You will not be allowed to go home on your own due to the effects of the drugs used during the procedure. Please ensure that someone is available to collect you. If this is not possible, then transport can be arranged but prior notice must be given.
Care of the biopsy site
There will be a small wound which will be closed using Steri-Strips and covered with a small dressing. These should be left in place and kept dry for 48 hours (2 days) before gently peeling them off.
When these have been removed, check that the wound is clean, dry and healed. If you experience any bleeding apply pressure to the wound and add a dressing.
How will I feel after the biopsy?
It is quite normal to experience some discomfort for a few days following the biopsy and we will be able to supply you with painkillers to take at home. If more is required, then these can be obtained from your GP.
When will I know the result?
The biopsy results, the results of your other scans and treatment plan are discussed by the specialist team at our weekly MDT meeting. This takes approximately 10-14 days but can sometimes take longer.
You will be contacted as soon as the result is available either by telephone or letter. You may decide to return to the oncology clinic for your results, or you can choose to have your results from your GP.
Potential risks
Radiation
US: The ultrasound scanner does not use X-rays or radiation and has no known side effects.
X-ray/CT: There are some small risks involved with the use of X-rays & CT but only the minimum amount of radiation is used to produce the images required. We all receive radiation naturally over our lifetimes and the dose received from the procedure is similar to the natural background radiation we receive from the environment over a period of 3-4 weeks. The benefit far outweighs the tiny radiation dose you will receive.
Allergies
If contrast (dye) is used, there is a very small risk of an allergic reaction. All biopsy staff are trained in dealing with such situation and medicines used to treat the reaction are kept within the CT rooms.
Please remember to let us know if you are allergic to latex or any types of plaster.
Anaesthetics
If sedation or general anaesthetic are used, there are some risks associated, but all anaesthetists and nurses involved in the procedure have appropriate training in the use of anaesthesia, and the actual incidence of such risks are minimal. You will be informed more about the risks involved in the general anaesthetic by one of the consultant anaesthetists.
Potential delayed complications at the biopsy site and actions to take
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What to look for |
Possible complication |
Frequency |
Actions to take |
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Pain and bruising |
Pain and bruising |
Common |
Take simple pain relief such as paracetamol. This should go after a couple of days but if present longer please contact your GP. |
|
Pain and swelling |
Haematoma |
Rare |
Apply a cold compress such as an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel. Take simple pain relief such as paracetamol. This should go after a few days but if present longer please contact your GP. |
|
Red, hot, swollen site with fever or chills |
Infection |
Rare |
During working hours, contact your GP for advice. Out of hours call NHS 111. Do not ignore this symptom |
|
New leg tingling, numbness or weakness (if spinal biopsy) |
Nerve damage or epidural haematoma |
Rare |
Go to the A & E Department
|
|
Severe pain (if bone biopsy) |
Bone fracture |
Very rare |
Go to the A & E Department |
Contact details
Imaging Department - 0121 812 3370 /
Oncology Department – 0121 812 3834 /
If you are unable to keep your appointment it is important that you let us know as soon as you can on the contact details provided above. Failure to inform us may mean that you will not be sent a further appointment in the future.
More information
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Macmillan |
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Carers UK |
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Cancer Research |
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Cancer Black Care |
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NHS |
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Teenage cancer Trust |
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Sarcoma |
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Bone Cancer Research Trust (BCRT) |