Trephine drill biopsy of the lung. Cleveland clinic experience.

One hundred thirteen biopsies were performed with use of a high-speed drill in 100 patients with diffuse lung disease. Adequate lung tissue was obtained in 70% of the biopsies. Pneumothorax resulted in 40% of the biopsies, but intubation treatment was required in only 7%. Hemoptysis occurred in 8%, pleuritic chest pain in 17%, and subcutaneous emphysema in 4%. Most of the biopsies in our patients were office procedures, since our offices are a part of the hospital complex, but when the patient has advanced pulmonary function impairment, hospitalization is preferred for the trephine biopsy procedure. Trephine lung biopsy is a simple, useful, and relatively inexpensive procedure. Serious complications are infrequent. ( JAMA 228:189-191, 1974)