Advice after your nerve block for surgery
On this page…
Introduction
We have been advised by your hospital consultant that you need to have a biopsy performed in the Radiology (X-ray) Department under ultrasound, CT or fluoroscopic control. This information tells you about having a biopsy, what is involved, and what the possible risks are.
This leaflet may not answer all your questions, so if you have any queries or concerns,
please contact us using the telephone number on your appointment letter, or ask the ward staff.
What is a Drain?
A drain is a tube which is used to drain fluids from the body. This will be inserted using imaging guidance so the tip of the tubing lies within the fluid and will allow the fluid to drain out of the body into a bag or other collecting device. We will use one or more types of radiology method to guide the needle into the correct place in the body. The biopsy may therefore take place in the CT, Ultrasound or Fluoroscopy Departments within Radiology.
The biopsy will be performed by a radiologist (doctor specialising in medical imaging) who will be assisted by a radiographer and / or a radiology nurse.
What is a CT scan?
A CT scan is an examination using X-rays by lying on a flat table inside a scanner that
produces detailed cross sectional images of your body. These images are cross-sectional (like slices) and are used to produce 2D and 3D images of the body’s organs
What is Fluoroscopy?
Fluoroscopy is a process that uses X-rays to produce a real time moving image on a
television monitor.
What is Ultrasound?
An ultrasound scan is an examination that uses sound waves to take pictures of the part of the body being examined. It does not involve X-rays.
Which imaging modality used will depend upon the location, type and accessibility of the site to be drained, and will be decided by the radiologist before your appointment is made.
Before your appointment
Please let us know if:
- you are taking any medication which impair the bloods ability to clot (anticoagulation or blood thinning drugs) e.g. Warfarin or clopidigrel, or, if you are aware that you may have bleeding problems. The radiologist who will be performing your examination can be notified and may need to discuss this with you and your hospital consultant before your appointment can be confirmed as the medication may need to be stopped or changed before the procedure
- you have limited mobility and will require assistance to get on and off the scanner.
- you will need an interpreter. We are not able to use family members or friends to interpret.
- there is any possibility that you may be pregnant. All patients from 12-55 years of age (regardless of gender) who will undergo a Radiology procedure will be asked about the possibility of them being pregnant.
In order to make your appointment run more smoothly, please let us know if any of these apply, in advance, by calling our bookings team (contact details are displayed on the main Radiology page).
On the day of procedure
There is no preparation for this examination, you may eat and drink normally. Continue to take your normal medication unless otherwise instructed
On Arrival
Please arrive 10 minutes before your scan time.
The Radiology / X-Ray Department is located on the ground floor of the hospital. You should follow the directions from the main hospital entrance. On arrival in the department you should check in at the reception desk. Bring this letter with you and be prepared to confirm your details with the receptionist. Please allow time to do this prior to your appointment time and bear in mind that the reception may be busy.
During the procedure
Referral and consent
You will be asked to sign a consent form confirming that you understand the procedure and are aware of the risks and benefits involved.
If after discussion with your hospital doctor or radiologist, you do not want the procedure carried out, then you can decide against it. If the radiologist feels that your condition has changed or that your symptoms do not indicate such a procedure is necessary then they will explain this to you and they will communicate with the referring doctor who will review your situation as soon as possible. At all times the radiologist and referring doctor will be acting in
your best interests.
Procedure
The procedure will be explained to you by the radiologist. You will be able to ask any further questions that you may have.
You will be asked to lie on the examination table. It is important that you stay very still until the procedure is over. If you are uncomfortable please let the doctor know.
The ultrasound, fluoroscopy unit or the CT scanner will be used to decide on the most suitable place for inserting a needle to access the fluid. Everything will be kept sterile and the radiologist will wear sterile gloves. Your skin will be
cleaned with antiseptic solution and sterile drapes will be placed over this area. Then your skin will be numbed with local anaesthetic. When the local anaesthetic is injected, it will sting to start with, but this soon wears off, and the skin and deeper tissues should then feel numb.
The radiologist will insert the thin biopsy needle whilst looking at the images to ensure accuracy of positioning.
If the procedure does become painful you should tell the radiologist performing the biopsy and they may give you more local anaesthetic.
Once in place a wire will be inserted through the needle which is then removed. Using the wire as a guide the drain will then be inserted. You may be aware of a pushing sensation as the drain is positioned, but this is generally done so quickly that it does not cause much discomfort. The wire is then removed and the drain site secured and may have a dressing placed over it.
As an approximate guide, expect to be in the Radiology Department for about 25 minutes to one hour. However much of this time is taken up by preparation rather than the procedure itself.
After the procedure
You should drink plenty of fluids and eat normally.
Risks
- Discomfort: You may experience some discomfort after the procedure when the local anaesthetic wears off. This is usually mild and can be helped with over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol if required (avoid taking aspirin or ibuprofen for the first 24 hours).
- Bruising: Bruising may occur after this procedure.
- Infection: Occasionally there may be infection in the area surrounding the site. This can usually be treated with antibiotics.
- Damage to underlying tissues: Rarely, as the needle passes through the body to the target area, surrounding tissues may be damaged.
- X-rays are a type of radiation. We are all exposed to natural background radiation every day from the sun, food we eat, and the ground. Exposure to medical X-rays carries a small additional risk, but your doctor feels that this risk is outweighed by the benefits of having the test and the amount of radiation you will receive is kept to as low as reasonably possible
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Radiology service.
About this information
Service:
Radiology
Reference:
PILS-IR.17
Approval date:
2 October 2024
Review date:
2 October 2027
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Important note
This page provides general information only. It is developed by clinical staff and is reviewed regularly every 3 years for accuracy. For personal advice about your health, or if you have any concerns, please speak to your doctor.