Biopsy | What is the Procedure of Biopsy?
Introduction
More often than not, the medical jargon proves to be a tough code to crack for laymen. This hurdle in understanding healthcare literature is keeping many from learning more about essential medical procedures and treatments. And while Google is a friend we can rely on, it is not the most authentic source of information always. Take the example of EUA & biopsies conducted under EUA. The first few links that come up on Google are not entirely reliable, and the rest is just tripe. Finding credible information is a challenge, even in the 21st century! If you have landed on this page in pursuit of understanding EUA + biopsy then you can stop roaming like a headless chicken on the internet. You see, we are going to dissect this topic and discuss everything about EUA which matters!
What does EUA stand for?
First things first, what does the abbreviation stands for? Well, it stands for examination under anaesthetic and is performed when a definite diagnosis has not been established by the doctor. For achieving an accurate diagnosis, the patient’s doctor might have to take a tissue sample i.e. biopsy[i], which we will talk about more in the next section. In cases where a definite diagnosis has been made already, these examinations allow a patient’s doctor to understand the condition better and then plan the treatment accordingly. For example, if a patient’s cancer diagnosis is already established, then the decision about opting for chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other treatment is made post-EUA+ biopsy. It is important to note there that the anesthesia used in EUAs can be applied topically as well. But it must be ascertained that the patient undergoing such an examination is not allergic to the anesthesia used.
What is a biopsy?
We have mentioned the most basic definition of a biopsy already but it is worth knowing the indications of a biopsy as well. Well, more often than not, biopsies are requested and recommended to ascertain the presence or absence of carcinomas. However, a patient can be asked to go undergo a biopsy to confirm diseases and disorders like hepatitis and liver cirrhosis as well[ii]. Biopsies are important since this help a patient’s medical team to decide which therapy and course of treatment would be ideal for the patient. Different types of biopsies include needle biopsy, CT-guided biopsy, bone biopsy, and liver biopsy, just to name a few!
Preparation for EUA
EUA procedures are a one-day affair. This means that the patient will be discharged by the night of the day he or she is admitted. However, the duration of stay in a hospital can vary from case to case, depending upon the specific condition of the patient. Keeping that information in context, the preparation for a EUA is quite a simple affair. All that a patient has to do is bring all the medications he or she is taking daily. Also, asking questions about anesthesia is also important. It is critical to ascertain that the patient is not allergic to the anaesthetic used in the examination.
What happens during EUA?
We now come to the point around which this article has been orchestrated. The events of a EUA differ with respect to the body are examined. More often than not, tissue samples are taken for further investigation. Medical instruments like speculum and cystoscope are used in EUA and making sure that all such instruments are properly sterilized is the responsibility of the medical team which is in charge of the operation. Depending upon a patient’s condition, he or she might have to undergo a cystoscopy or hysteroscopy as well[iii].
Post EUA
The drowsy feeling that is associated with anesthesia will prevail for several hours post EUA before the patient has recovered fully. During the time between operation and the patient waking up, a nurse or a member of the medical team stays with the patient all the time. Once the patient has recovered fully from the anaesthetic and is made sure that there are no complications whatsoever, he or she is discharged. It is advisable to arrange the ride back home post EUA as well since driving is strictly prohibited for at least 24 hours after undergoing a procedure that involves anesthesia. This is because anesthesia can affect an individual’s coordination skills.
Risks and recovery
At this point in the discussion, it is important to discuss the risks that are associated with EUA. Common side effects that are associated with EUA include nausea and discomfort. Proper rest and following the plan provided to a patient by the doctor takes care of these side effects effectively. The medical team must provide a patient a recovery plan that will bring back things to normal. More serious risks associated with EUA include infection and bleeding[iv]. The percentage of these risks is higher in examinations that involve biopsies. Hence, it is imperative to make sure that the equipment used in procedures like biopsies are sterilized.
What if things go south?
Although there are no major risks associated with EUA’s, one cannot rule out the possibility of things deviating from the track completely. A bleeding situation can aggravate, an infection can become unmanageable, so on and so forth. In moments of crisis like these, patients are well-advised not to play the doctor. Instead, they must do the wisest thing, which is to consult their doctor. Following an expert’s opinion sounds something far more reassuring than making inferences from random YouTube videos, right?
Conclusion
Again, we must reiterate that consulting GP is the wisest thing to do in case complications arise. Don’t self-medicate! There are several charities and nonprofit NGOs in Pakistan that provide free biopsies to deserving and underprivileged patients. Well, folks that would be all from this discussion. We wish we could talk a bit more about biopsies and their types in detail in this discussion. But unfortunately, the limitations of time and space force us to conclude this discussion here. Nevertheless, we optimistic that you learned a lot from this discussion. And on that optimistic note, we bid you farewell from this discussion.
References
[i] https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/a-z-of-services/childrens-surgery/childrens-day-surgery/about-your-procedure/eua-biopsies/
[ii] https://www.webmd.com/cancer/what-is-a-biopsy
[iii]https://www.qegateshead.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/users/user15624/IL229v5%20Examination%20under%20Anaesthetic.pdf
[iv] https://www.leedsth.nhs.uk/a-z-of-services/childrens-surgery/childrens-day-surgery/about-your-procedure/eua-biopsies/
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