A needle or transbronchial lung biopsy is performed under light sedation and local anesthesia. Any procedure has their risk; however, the risk of lung biopsy is relatively low. You will be awake during the procedure. For open lung biopsy you will get general anesthesia

Yes, usually

Yes

If you’re going to have an open lung biopsy, then yes, you need general anesthesia.  If you’re going to have a bronchial biopsy via bronchoscope, general anesthesia may not be necessary, although some proceduralists prefer it.  If you’re going to have a percutaneous CT-guided lung biopsy, general anesthesia again may not be necessary.

Jay R Shayevitz MD MS
403 Golf Dr
Oceanside NY 11572
cell: 585-474-1741
ph: 914-963-4394