Injection of Saline into the Biopsy Tract and Rapid Patient Rollover Decreases Pneumothorax Size following Computed Tomography–Guided Transthoracic Needle Biopsy

Abstract

Purpose To determine if saline tract injection and rapid patient rollover following computed tomography (CT)–guided transthoracic needle biopsy (TTNB) affects pneumothorax incidence and size. Methods A retrospective cohort design was used to compare 278 patients who underwent post-biopsy saline injection and rapid rollover so that the biopsy site was dependent (N = 180) to a control group with routine post-biopsy care (N = 98). Post-procedure radiographs and CT were assessed for presence and size of pneumothorax, as well as requirement for chest tube placement. Results Pneumothorax size as estimated on post-procedure CT was 3.33% in the treatment group and 6.63% in the control group ( P < .05). There was also a reduction in chest tube placements in the treatment group (3.9% vs 10%, P < .05). On post-procedure radiographs, pneumothorax rates were 20% in the treatment group, and 25% in the control group ( P > .05). Conclusion Saline injection with rapid patient rollover following TTNB significantly decreased pneumothorax size and chest tube placement but not incidence.