Advice after your nerve block for surgery
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Introduction
We have been advised by your hospital consultant that you need to have an ultrasound guided Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) or biopsy. 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.
The study will be performed either by a radiologist (doctor specialising in imaging) in the radiology (X-ray) department.
This information tells you about the procedure, what is involved, and what the possible risks are.
Before your appointment
If you would like another member of staff to be present, to act as a chaperone, during your examination then please let us know when booking in at the Reception desk. If your appointment is after 5pm, then please phone in advance, so that we can ensure an additional member of staff is available. If you do not request a chaperone, then we will assume that we have your consent to perform the examination without one.
There is no special preparation needed and you can eat and drink as usual.
Special Needs
Please let us know if:
- you have limited mobility and will require assistance to get on and off a couch.
- you will need an interpreter. We are not able to use family members or friends to interpret.
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 Arrival
Please arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time.
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. Once you have been booked in you will be directed to the waiting area. Please be aware that patients are attending for different examinations and patients who arrive after you may be called before you.
Giving my consent (permission)
We want to involve you in decisions about your care and treatment. The radiologist will ask you if you are happy for the procedure to go ahead - this is called verbal consent. If you do not wish to have the procedure or are undecided, please tell the radiologist. It is your decision and you can change your mind at any time.
The Procedure
An Ultrasound scan of the area is performed to identify the location of any abnormality. A series of images will be obtained. If an FNA is required, the skin is cleaned and sterilised before the needle is inserted. If a larger needle is required or a biopsy an injection of local anaesthetic is given to numb the area before the needle is introduced.
When we have adequate samples, the needle will be removed and the tissue sample will be sent to Histology for analysis. The biopsy will then be examined under a microscope by a pathologist (an expert in making a diagnosis from tissue samples).
After the Examination
You will be free to resume your daily activities
Risks
You may experience some discomfort after the procedure if there a test requiring a needle to be inserted. This is usually mild and can be helped with over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol if required.
The Results
The pathologist will interpret your images report the results to your referring doctor, who will in turn discuss them with you. This will take from 10-14 days.
Contact us
If you have any queries relating to this information, please contact the Radiology service.
About this information
Service:
Radiology
Reference:
PILS-US.11
Approval date:
22 October 2024
Review date:
22 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.