How to Sample the Unreachable: Transbronchial Biopsy

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Provisional chapter
How to Sample the Unreachable: Transbronchial
Biopsy
Mihai Olteanu, Floarea Mimi Nițu, Andreea Golli,
Mădălina Olteanu, Adina Turcu,
Florentina Dumitrescu, Bogdan Oprea,
Ramona Cioboată, Alin Demetrian, Roxana Nemeș,
Agripina Rașcu, Edith Simona Ianoși and
Tudorel Ciurea
Additional information is available at the end of the chapter
Abstract
Transbronchial biopsy (TBBx) or bronchoscopic lung biopsy (BLBx) should be a diagnosis
tool for focal peripheral lesions and for diffuse lung disease in every bronchoscopic suite
around the world. The main advantage of this procedure is that it avoids open lung
surgery for peripheral lung biopsy. The procedure is usually safe and can be done in an
outpatient setting with moderate sedation, but life-threatening complications can occur,
so a proper evaluation of the risk benefits ratio should be carefully analyzed before the
intervention. There is no need for guidance in diffuse peripheral lesions, but for localized
peripheral lesions, the diagnostic yield of TBBx is significantly higher with fluoroscopic
guidance. In this chapter, we assess the utility, indications, and contraindication of this
technique, as well as its clinical applications and complications.
Keywords: lung biopsy, transbronchial biopsy (TBBx), bronchoscopic lung biopsy
1. Introduction
Transbronchial biopsy (TBBx) or bronchoscopic lung biopsy (BLBx) should be a diagnosis tool
for focal peripheral lesions and for diffuse lung disease in every bronchoscopic suite around
the world. The main advantage of this procedure is that it avoids open lung surgery for
peripheral lung biopsy. The procedure is usually safe and can be done in an outpatient setting
with moderate sedation, but life-threatening complications can occur, so a proper evaluation of
© 2019 The Author(s). Licensee IntechOpen. This chapter is distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

the risk benefits ratio should be carefully analyzed before the intervention. There is no need for
guidance in diffuse peripheral lesions, but for localized peripheral lesions, the diagnostic yield
of TBBx is significantly higher with fluoroscopic guidance. In this chapter we assess the utility,
indications, and contraindication of this technique, as well as its clinical applications and
complications.
2. Indications
TBBx is a solution to consider in a large variety of peripheral lung disorders. TBBx can be
combined for an increased yield of diagnosis with other bronchoscopic diagnostic procedures,
like bronchial and bronchioloalveolar cytology washings, cytology brushes, and peripheral
transbronchial needle aspirations.
The main indications for TBBx are malignancies, infections, and diffuse lung diseases.
2.1. Malignancies
In peripheral malignancies, the average diagnostic yield of TBBx is 57% (17–77%). When this
procedure is done in combination with peripheral bronchial washing and brushing, it comes
with an exclusive diagnosis in up to 19% of the patients [1].
In lymphangitic carcinomatosis, TBBx appears to have a high diagnostic yield, but in meta-
static pulmonary tumors, the diagnostic yield is limited (17%).
There is great debate around the number of biopsies necessary in order to have a satisfactory
diagnostic yield. Descombes et al. showed a 21% diagnostic yield in the case of 1–3 TBBx
biopsies and 78% yield when 6–10 biopsies were taken. Popovich et al. showed an increase of
25% between the first TBBx diagnostic yield (45%) and multiple biopsies (70%). There is a
general consensus, based on these studies and many more, that 6–10 biopsies should be taken
for an optimum diagnostic yield in lung cancer [2, 3].
The size of the lesion and its relationship with the bronchial tree are also very important to
assess the utility of TBBx. Regarding the size of the lesion, studies showed a diagnostic yield of
34% in the case of a lesion smaller than 2 cm and 63% for lesions greater than 2 cm in diameter
[4]. Regarding the position of the lesion in relation to the bronchial tree, there are four situa-
tions very well described by Tsuboi et al. (Figure 1): type I, in which the tumor is at the end of
the opened bronchus; type II, when the tumor contains the bronchus; type III, when the
bronchus trajectory is modified, and the diameter can also be modified, either compressed or
narrowed by the tumor mass, but the bronchial mucosa is normal; and type IV, when the
bronchus is narrowed in the proximal part by the submucosal and peribronchial infiltration of
the tumor, fibrosis, or enlarged lymph nodes [5].
There is an issue regarding the bronchus sign often seen on thoracic CT, which means that the
permeable bronchus is contained in the tumor mass or it ends with the tumor. The significance
Endoscopy - Novel Techniques and Recent Advancements2

would be that with the bronchus sign present on thoracic CT, the yield of TBBx is 60–82%,
compared with 0–44% when the bronchus sign is absent [6–8].
It is recommended that in the case of a type III or IV lesion, peripheral transbronchial needle
aspiration (TBNA) should be used for sampling the tumor instead of TBBx, due to the needle
ability to pierce the tumor directly beyond the narrowed and displaced bronchial tree, which is
very hard for the TBBx forceps to do.
2.2. Infections
TBBx is used in a variety of pulmonary infections as well. The main indications for TBBx in
lung infections are non-resolving pneumonia, Mycobacterium tuberculosis or nontuberculous
Mycobacterium infection, fungal infections, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, and some viral
infections, such as CMV pneumonitis.
2.2.1. Non-resolving pneumonia
The term non-resolving pneumonia, which must be differentiated from non-responding pneu-
monia and slowly resolving pneumonia, is defined as the persistence of clinical symptoms and
signs (cough, sputum production, with or without fever >37.7C) and failure of resolution of
the radiographic features by 50% in 2 weeks or completely in 4 weeks on serial chest X-rays, in
spite of antibiotic treatment for at least 10 days. Arancibia et al. reached a diagnosis in non-
resolving pneumonia patients who failed antibiotic treatment in 57% of the cases. Neverthe-
less, TBBx is seldom used for non-resolving pneumonia, because other methods are less
invasive and at least as useful, like protected brushing and bronchoalveolar lavage. TBBx is
invaluable because it can confirm other pathologies like Mycobacterium (tuberculosis or non-
tuberculosis) infections, fungal infections, neoplasms (bronchioloalveolar cancer), BOOP, and
histiocytosis [9].
Figure 1. Relationship between tumor mass and tributary bronchus [5].
How to Sample the Unreachable: Transbronchial Biopsy 3

2.2.2. Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis has a high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Nowadays, despite the discovery
and availability of specific preventive and curative chemotherapy, pulmonary tuberculosis is still a
fatal airborne transmitted disease [10]. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy and TBBx are an important
bronchoscopic procedure to evaluate patients with negative smears and radiologic and anamnestic
suspicion of pulmonary tuberculosis. It can provideimmediatehistopathologyandsmear-positive
diagnosis, and it can rule out malignancies and fungal infections presenting like pulmonary
tuberculosis as differential diagnosis [11].
In the vast majority of patients, adding TBBx to bronchoalveolar lavage is the maximum of
procedures that can be undergone to have a confirmation diagnosis. The usual candidates for
these methods would be patients with a clinical suspicion of active tuberculosis, with
suspected lesions on chest X-ray or thoracic CT and at least three negative acid-fast bacilli
sputum exams, or with inability to provide good quality sputum. TBBx provides confirmation
diagnosis in 17–60% of active pulmonary tuberculosis cases [12].
TBBx also provides rapid confirmation diagnosis in smear-negative miliary tuberculosis, with
a diagnosis yield of 60–80% [13, 14].
2.2.3. Non-tubercular mycobacteria
TBBx should be performed whenever there is a suspicion of non-tubercular pulmonary infec-
tion. According to the American Thoracic Society, the diagnosis of non-tubercular pulmonary
infection requires one of the following microbiological criteria, in a favorable clinical setting: at
least two separate positive sputum cultures or at least one positive culture from bronchial
lavage or transbronchial biopsies with granulomatous inflammation, Ziehl Nielsen acid-fast
bacilli with positive non-tubercular bacilli cultures, and at least one sputum exam or bronchial
wash culture positive for non-tubercular mycobacteria [15].
2.2.4. Fungal infections
In fungal infections usually there is no need for TBBx, because a confirmation diagnosis is
reached with the help of bronchial washings and bronchioloalveolar lavage procedures. There
is little improvement in diagnostic yield with this procedure, and so it should not be done at
first bronchoscopy except in the case of negative initial tests, with a maintained suspicion of
fungal infection [16, 17].
2.3. Diffuse lung diseases
2.3.1. Sarcoidosis
In sarcoidosis, a confirmation diagnosis is established at bronchoscopy with a combination of
bronchioloalveolar lavage, endobronchial biopsy, transbronchial biopsy, and transbronchial
needle aspiration. As we can see, there are a lot of diagnostic possibilities to choose from when
we are looking for a confirmation. It depends, however, on the stage of sarcoidosis to choose
Endoscopy - Novel Techniques and Recent Advancements4

the best, minimum invasive procedure that will provide a confirmation. The stages of sarcoid-
osis are stage I, when we have lymph node involvement; stage II, when we have lymph node
involvement and pulmonary infiltrates; stage III, when granulomas are only present in the
lung tissue, expressed radiologically as pulmonary infiltrates; and stage IV, when diffuse
scarring is found in the lung tissue, indicating irreversible damage. The diagnostic yield of
TBBx varies between 50 and 65% in stage I, 63 and 82% in stage II, and 80 and 85% in stage III.
Bronchial mucosa is frequently involved in all stages of sarcoidosis, so an endobronchial
biopsy adds an average of 20% over the diagnostic yield of TBBx [18–20].
Of course, one should always look for reaching the most affected areas of the mediastinum and
lung parenchyma. For example, in lymph node involvement (stage I and III), one should
always puncture the nodes (conventional transbronchial needle aspiration or echo-guided
needle aspiration) with or without endobronchial biopsy and TBBx, in the same procedure.
2.3.2. Lymphangitic carcinomatosis
The nonspecific diffuse interstitial pattern of lymphangitic carcinomatosis is a serious differen-
tial diagnostic problem, especially in patients without any obvious primary carcinoma, and it
is often a cause of delayed diagnosis and postmortem tissue confirmation. In these patients,
differential consists of acute or subacute infectious processes, radiation pneumonitis, chemo
drug reaction, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or diffuse tumor infiltration [21].
2.3.3. Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis
The worldwide accepted diagnosis for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is still reached by
flexible bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Transbronchial biopsies can be
combined with BAL findings when these are done in the affected lung segments, and these
are both usually sufficient to establish the etiology. One must be aware of this diagnosis
possibility and request PAS staining. Usually, this is the cause of underdiagnosis (low suspi-
cion). PAP can still be diagnosed by requesting Papanicolaou staining from BAL that can show
specific green and orange globules. BAL analyzed by electronic microscopy can also reveal
specific multilamellar structures.
2.3.4. Pulmonary Langerhans histiocytosis
Clinical features and high-resolution computed tomography usually suggest this diagnostic,
but tissue confirmation is still needed. Surgical lung biopsy for confirmation is the golden
standard because of being able to sample the affected areas and to provide an appropriate
amount of tissue. TBBx can also provide tissue for a confirmation diagnosis in some cases, but
the yield varies from 10 to 40%. This low yield is probably due to biopsy site selection error
secondary to patchy distribution of the lung infiltrates. In conclusion, a nondiagnostic TBBx
procedure should be followed by a surgical biopsy confirmation. One should always look for
Langerhans cells staining for CD1a (>5%) and S100 protein on immunocytochemistry, but
false-positive results can be found in smokers [22, 23].
How to Sample the Unreachable: Transbronchial Biopsy 5

2.3.5. Amyloidosis
Without lung biopsies, amyloid lung disease often goes unrecognized. Amyloidosis represents
a heterogeneous group of diseases characterized by the deposition of congophilic fibrils in the
extracellular matrix of tissues and organs. In an amyloid lung, there can be multiple clinico-
pathologic forms of lesions. These are diffuse amyloidosis with an alveolar-septal pattern,
nodular amyloidosis, and tracheobronchial amyloidosis (less frequent encountered). There is
no specific localization or extent of these lesions, but there have been described three types of
lesions: proximal, mid, and distal involvement. Flexible bronchoscopy with TBBx is the pre-
ferred tool for tracheobronchial amyloidosis diagnosis. Computed tomography usually appre-
ciates the extent of the disease. Severe amyloid deposition in the proximal and mid bronchi can
endanger air passage, a situation in which laser or/and forceps recanalization is required.
External beam radiation therapy can also be used for endobronchial debridement. The mortal-
ity is an important matter in this situation, because recurrence is very common and approxi-
mately 30% of these patients eventually die [24].
2.3.6. Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)
LAM is a rare cystic lung disease that affects women during their reproductive years. LAM is
usually difficult to diagnose because of its similarity to other lung diseases and because
symptoms are variable from patient to patient. There are a number of tests that a physician
can address to in order to confirm or infirm the existence of LAM and to evaluate the extent of
lung damage, as well as the spread. High-resolution CT scan (HRCT) is the most accurate and
noninvasive test for diagnosing LAM. It can be used in combination with VEGF-D blood test to
help distinguish LAM from other cystic lung diseases. Sometimes, an elevated VEGF-D level is
enough to confirm diagnosis, though it can be looked at as a replacement for lung biopsy.
Nevertheless, lung biopsy is the gold standard for LAM diagnosis, and transbronchial biopsy
plays an important role because it is less invasive than surgical lung biopsy. However, the
amount of tissue obtained through this procedure may sometimes not be enough for a defin-
itive LAM diagnosis. Also, immunohistochemical studies from the lung biopsies show positive
staining of LAM cells for HMB-45 monoclonal antibodies and for estrogen receptors, and they
both strongly support LAM diagnosis [25–27]. Some authors found that TBBx has a yield of
approximately 60% in patients with LAM. Therefore, they concluded that TBBx is safe and
effective for the diagnosis of LAM, avoiding surgery with lung biopsy in more than half of
LAM patients [28].
2.3.7. Bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia (cryptogenic organizing pneumonia)
The pathologic hallmarks of COP include granulation tissue in the terminal and respiratory
bronchioles and alveolar ducts which can be extended and organized into alveoli. Also, chronic
inflammatory changes in the surrounding interstitial space can be found. As mentioned before,
in some settings TBBx was found to be adequate for diagnosis, but thoracoscopic or surgical lung
biopsy has the advantage of larger lung biopsy specimens, and this is needed in order to exclude
other conditions that mimic COP. In specialized centers though, TBBx in COP has sensitivity of
64%, specificity of 86%, and positive predictive value of 94% and negative predictive value of
Endoscopy - Novel Techniques and Recent Advancements6

40%. Literature recommends TBBx before referring the patients for more invasive methods.
Nevertheless, if diagnosis remains unclear after TBBx and if incomplete response to oral cortico-
steroids is seen, a surgical approach with lung biopsy must be performed [29–34].
2.3.8. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP)
HP is mostly a clinical diagnosis, and histopathological confirmation is only necessary when
diagnosis is uncertain or the clinical outcome is inadequate in spite of treatment. Large
biopsy specimens are needed, but in some cases of acute and subacute HP (less in chronic
HP), TBBx showed adequate specimens. The histopathological findings in subacute HP
consist of cellular bronchiolitis, diffuse interstitial infiltrates of chronic inflammatory cells,
andscatterednoncaseatinggranulomas[35–37].
3. Contraindications
There are absolute and relative contraindications for TBBx.
Absolute contraindications:
•Absence of informed consent
•Lack of patient cooperation
•Inadequate facilities for patient resuscitation
•Uncorrected bleeding disorders
•Severe pulmonary hypertension
•Massive hemoptysis
•Refractory hypoxia
•Uncontrolled arrhythmias
•Uncontrolled cough
•Uncontrolled bronchospasm
Relative contraindications:
•Uremia—Because uremic patients have a higher risk of bleeding when TBBx is performed,
serum creatinine should be measured in the case renal insufficiency is presumed. Some
studies showed increased bleeding when both BUN >30 mg/dl (urea >64.2 mg/dl) and
serum creatinine >3.0 mg/dl [38]. However, elevated BUN can also be encountered in
other situations, like congestive heart failure, dehydration, gastrointestinal bleeding, some
antibiotics, and high-protein diet.
•Thrombocytopenia (when the platelet count is less than 50,000/μL).
How to Sample the Unreachable: Transbronchial Biopsy 7

•Pulmonary hypertension (although there is little evidence regarding excessive bleeding
after TBBx even in severe pulmonary hypertension, it is considered to be a safe procedure
when pulmonary hypertension is mild to moderate) [39, 40].
•Anticoagulants and antiaggregants, if not discontinued. Aspirin can be continued, but
clopidogrel must be discontinued at least 5 days before TBBx. Warfarin must be discontinued
3 days before the procedure and heparin 6 hours before, whereas enoxaparin given in deep
vein thrombosis can be discontinued 12 hours before the procedure (do not administer in the
morning of the procedure). Targeted international normalized ratio (INR) must be below 1.5
(some studies showed a better safety profile when INR is below 1.3) [41, 42].
•Mechanical ventilation—In these patients there is an increased risk of tension pneumo-
thorax when TBBx is performed, so benefits should be balanced against the risks and
discussed with the patients, for proper management.
4. Complications
There are different percentages of procedure-related complications in the literature, depending
of many factors, like patient selection, the pulmonary disorder for which the TBBx was done,
the use of sedation, the number of biopsies taken, forceps size, and nevertheless, the bronchos-
copist’s experience.
The major complications of TBBx are pneumothorax and bleeding.
Pneumothorax is encountered in 1–6% of patients with performed TBBx [2].
A prospective study of 350 cases revealed that chest X-rays are usually not necessary after
TBBx, but it is still recommended for safety reasons [43].
The size of the pneumothorax was associated with the symptoms, so it is possible to have an
immediate evaluation of the pneumothorax magnitude based on patient’s clinical status.
Pneumothorax is a rare instance but may be followed by a pigtail catheter insertion for lung
re-expansion. Repeated chest radiographs are usually necessary to follow lung re-expansion
and to choose the right moment to extract the chest tube.
Failure to control coughing during TBBx increases pneumothorax risk. Patients with positive-
pressure ventilation devices are more likely to manifest pneumothorax after TBBx. In patients
with bullous emphysema and in those with pneumocystis pneumonia, the pneumothorax risk
is higher [44].
Fluoroscopic guidance during TBBx lowers the risk of pneumothorax. Fluoroscopic examina-
tion can reveal pneumothorax cases right after TBBx, but sometimes slowly developing pneu-
mothorax is encountered several hours after the procedure [45].
Tension pneumothorax is a rare event. If no symptoms are present 4 hours after the procedure,
a pneumothorax with clinical significance is usually not present. Chest X-ray should be
Endoscopy - Novel Techniques and Recent Advancements8

performed after ½–1 hours after TBBx when high-grade suspicion is present despite normal
post-bronchoscopy fluoroscopy. The presence of symptoms and the extent of pneumothorax
on chest X-ray establish the management of pneumothorax, but oxygen delivery and continu-
ous inpatient observation usually are sufficient. Another method used in patients with moder-
ate symptoms, but with determined significant pneumothorax, is Heimlich’s valve placement
in the bronchoscopy lab. In these instances, if repeated X-rays show no increased pneumotho-
rax after 4–6 hours, they can be discharged with Heimlich’s valve on. In case of lung re-
expansion failure or incomplete lung re-expansion using Heimlich’s valve, especially when
severe symptoms are present, it is mandatory to place a chest tube drainage system. If pneu-
mothorax is encountered in patients mechanically ventilated, it is also mandatory to place a
chest tube system without delay [46].
Bleeding after transbronchial biopsy occurs in 0–26% of cases. Important bleeding is encoun-
tered in 1–2% of patients after TBBx [47].
Bleeding risk is higher in patients with renal insufficiency and in patients with depressed
immune system, and though sporadic reports of deaths caused by bleeding after TBBx have
been published, it is thought to be an underreported instance. Usually, bleeding events
developed after TBBx can be managed in the bronchoscopy suite. Patients with minor
bleeding after TBBx are usually observed with the bronchoscope, waiting for the bleeding
to stop. One should not apply suction near the biopsy area because the clot must be allowed
to form. This way, the bleeding is mostly self-limited. The main concern in case of bleeding
after a TBBx procedure is not the risk of exsanguination but the risk of flooding other lung
segments. That is why one must keep the bronchoscope wedged into the tributary bronchus
in order to prevent the blood flooding other lung segments and with the purpose of letting
theclottobeformed.Thistechniquehasbeenfirst described by Zavala [48]. In case of
significant bleeding despite bronchus blockage, it is important to put the patient in the
safety position, with the affected bleeding side inferiorly.
The wedged position of the bronchoscope can be lost during TBBx and when it happens, the
bronchoscopist must reposition the bronchoscope in the same wedged position as soon as
possible. Sometimes, this maneuver is difficult when there is significant bleeding from the
biopsy site, so the bronchoscopist must be able to reposition the bronchoscope without
visual help, only by picturing in his mind the bronchial tree and repeating the exact insertion
movements of the bronchoscope in order to reach the previous wedged position. Fluoro-
scopic guidance can help when endoscopic view is lost. Usually, the bronchoscope is wedged
for only 5 minutes, and then it can be gently retracted slowly, verifying the withdrawal step
by step and assuring that the bleeding is contained. Another way of dealing with bleeding
risk is to withdraw the bronchoscope and to apply suction preventing blood from entering
other vicinity pulmonary segments. One can also administer 1:20000 epinephrine in total
quantity of 20 ml and cold saline bursts on the channel of the bronchoscope, and as final
safety solution, one can place an endobronchial blocker that practically blocks the segmental
bronchus tributary to the bleeding biopsy site. Few post-TBBx bleeding cases need endotra-
cheal tubes to secure the airways, balloon tamponade, or even contralateral lung selective
How to Sample the Unreachable: Transbronchial Biopsy 9

intubation. The existing literature recommends that the bronchoscopy suites should be able
to sustain a possible rigid bronchoscopy intubation as ultimate safety solution for these
special cases, if the bleeding cannot be controlled only with the help of flexible bronchoscope
[46].
Rare complications that have been reported include mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema.
5. Procedure preparation
Each patient should have detailed history taken and thorough physical examination and
radiological assessment (chest X-ray and a thoracic computed tomography) before the proce-
dure. A complete blood work is not mandatory but is based on patient’s history and clinical
evaluation. It should contain complete blood count, coagulation profile, blood chemistry, and
arterial blood gas analysis. Spirometry and electrocardiogram are not mandatory before the
procedure. These investigations should be reserved for individual clinical relevant findings or
in the case of known comorbidities.
Adequate airway examination should precede the transbronchial biopsy. For this to happen in
an undisturbed matter and with total patient cooperation, one must control cough with
progressive lidocaine instillation, as well as administer sedation with systemic administration
of opiates. This way, the patient is calm, with no anxiety or cough that can interfere with the
procedure and lead to a higher risk of complications, like pneumothorax.
A proper bronchoscopic and TBBx technique must be mastered, regardless of the degree of
sedation and anesthesia used, because it reduces the incidence of complications, also. Fluoros-
copy is nevertheless important, when it can be used, because it can increase diagnosis yield
and decrease pneumothorax as complication of TBBx. Other factors that can help decrease
complication rates are the presence of an intensivist-anesthesiologist and a second interven-
tional pulmonologist. The team must be prepared to intervene in emergency situations like
pneumothorax and massive bleeding from the biopsy site. Necessary equipment for complica-
tion management, like balloon catheters, endobronchial blockers, chest tubes, or endotracheal
intubation tubes must be immediately available [49].
6. Pre-procedure concerns
Chest computed tomography (CT) must be performed before bronchoscopy because it shows
the anatomic appearance, vascularization, and nearby reports of the targeted lesions. CT can
provide a probability diagnosis corroborated with a proper anamnesis especially in patients
with sarcoidosis, usual interstitial pneumonia, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, subacute hyper-
sensitivity pneumonitis, acute eosinophilic pneumonia, or lymphangioleiomyomatosis. In the
event of non-diagnosis abnormalities, chest CT still provide a picture of peribronchovascular
Endoscopy - Novel Techniques and Recent Advancements10

and central lesions that can easily be sampled by TBBx, like centrilobular nodules of ground-
glass attenuation, for example [37].
7. Equipment
When a TBBx is necessary, one must have an interventional bronchoscopy room equipped
with devices for monitoring oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate,
and, if possible, end-tidal CO
2
. Of course, one must have available adult-size flexible video
bronchoscope, suction device, biopsy forceps, specimen containers, as well as proper cardio-
pulmonary resuscitation equipment, and mandatory supplemental oxygen. If possible, in case
of emergency, the interventional bronchoscopy multidisciplinary team must be able to convert
the flexible bronchoscopy into rigid bronchoscopy, for safety reasons. In regard to the TBBx
forceps, it can be cupped and toothed with a needle that can anchor the lesion. It is not
mandatory but is recommended to have fluoroscopy equipment in the room for better locali-
zation of the lesions and to minimize the risk of pneumothorax [46].
8. Patient preparation
Usually, TBBx is performed with the patient in supine position. After positioning, topical
anesthesia with lidocaine 2–4% is delivered by spraying or by instilling directly on the nasal
and/or oropharyngeal mucosa, depending on the preferred way of inserting the bronchoscope.
A good laryngeal anesthesia is then achieved by instilling or aerosolizing lidocaine using a
nebulizer.
After a good anesthesia is carried out, the patient can undergo moderate (conscious) sedation
using narcotics and benzodiazepines, in incremental doses. This method is safe and increases
the yield of TBBx, since the procedure is performed without patient cough or anxiety. Both
benzodiazepines and narcotics have different degrees of respiratory depression as side effects,
so permanent monitoring is required. The best way of assuring good sampling of the targeted
peripheral lung parenchyma remains rigid combined with flexible bronchoscopy, though. In
this case, general anesthesia is mandatory [49].
Benzodiazepines are used for their effects of amnesia, anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, muscle relax-
ant, and behavioral disinhibition.
Usually, midazolam is the best benzodiazepine for short-term moderate sedation because it
has the highest lipid solubility (that reassures better nervous system penetration), is one of the
fastest onset of action (3–5 minutes), has an incremental dose of 0.5–1 mg (loading dose is
around 0.02–0.1 mg/kg), with an average total dose of 1–5 mg that can be administered every
3–5 minutes depending on the degree of sedation needed, and has the shortest effect duration
of all intravenous benzodiazepines, of only 0.5–2 hours.
How to Sample the Unreachable: Transbronchial Biopsy 11

Fentanyl is also used for moderate sedation at a large scale. Its high degree of lipid solubility
provides a better penetration in central nervous system structures, as well. Next to morphine,
fentanyl has 600 times more lipid solubility and has less hemodynamic effects with the same
level of analgesia at a nearly 1/100 of the morphine dose, and the onset of action is faster
(1–2 minutes). It has an effect of action 30–60 minutes with a loading dose of 50–100 μg.
Propofol and dexmedetomidine are also used [49].
9. Technique
Radiological and fluoroscopic findings, when available, guide the choice of the biopsy site.
One should not attempt TBBx from the both lungs in the same procedure because of an
increased risk of bilateral pneumothorax. When we have focal disease, the selection of biopsy
site is relatively easy to choose. If diffuse disease is present, the choice of biopsy site requires
some things to be taken into consideration. In these cases, literature recommends to take the
biopsy from the lower lobes, left or right lung, because of the fact that the bleeding is usually
contained in these areas before it spills into the other lobes. Biopsy from the upper lobes is to be
avoided because the blood can easily pass into other segments from the inferior lobes, bilater-
ally, and thus limiting the time to react in order to stop the bleeding.
Once the selected site is chosen, the distal end of the bronchoscope is passed through the
specific segmental bronchus until it wedges. Then, the biopsies are performed, with the help
of fluoroscopy, if available. The forceps is introduced and advanced through the working
channel of the bronchoscope until mild resistance is usually felt. This is due to the mild
resistance encountered when passing through the distal end of the flexible bronchoscope,
especially when the biopsy is performed from the upper lobes or the upper segments of the
lower lobes, when distal end is more bended than usual. One must not push very hard in this
situation, because the channel of the flexible bronchoscope can very easily be damaged by the
forceps. The solution is to slightly let go of the control lever and gently advance the forceps
until it passes the distal end of the flexible bronchoscope. In this manner, there is a possibility
to lose the wedged position of the bronchoscope in the specific segmental bronchus. In this
case, one can retract the bronchoscope from the wedged position and push the forceps a couple
of centimeters beyond the distal end of the bronchoscope into the targeted segmental bronchus
and then gently advance the bronchoscope using the forceps as guide. Using the fluoroscopic
guidance of the TBBx, one should advance the forceps in the selected pulmonary segment until
resistance is met. This is due to the fact that the tip of the forceps is very close to the visceral
pleura. The forceps is then pulled out 2–3 cm in which time the patient is instructed to take a
deep breath and hold for a little while. In this way, the peripheral airways are dilated, and so
the forceps can be opened easily. The patient is asked to breathe out while the opened biopsy
forceps is gently advanced under fluoroscopic guidance until resistance is met. This is due to
the fact that the larger surface of the opened forceps is blocked in its advancement earlier than
the narrower surface of the closed forceps by the bifurcation of the respiratory and terminal
bronchioles, meaning that the site of the biopsy has been reached. Then, the assistant is asked
Endoscopy - Novel Techniques and Recent Advancements12

to close the forceps that can be gently retracted afterwards. The lung parenchyma is usually
sampled by tearing off the respiratory and terminal bronchioles [46].
In case there is a focal lung cancer, presenting like a solitary mass or nodule, by the same
method, the forceps is advanced until the tumor’s margin is reached. If fluoroscopy is avail-
able, now is the time to rotate the arm of the fluoroscope to be aware of the movement of the
biopsy forceps related to the lung lesion. A good positioning of the biopsy forceps can be
trusted if both the lesion and the forceps move together with the movement of the fluoroscope.
After confirming the correct position, the forceps is then retracted approximately 0.5–1 cm and
then opened. The opened forceps is then inserted firmly into the mass, this position being also
confirmed by fluoroscopy, then closed in a decisive manner, and pulled back gently or slightly
rotated along with the retraction. Somehow different from the TBBx of diffuse interstitial lung
disease, TBBx of a lung mass or nodule does not need respiratory maneuvers. Another sign of
a good position and biopsy is the fact that when the biopsy is actually taken, the lesion moves
along with the forceps. The ideal transbronchial biopsy specimen consists of four to six
samples, with at least one sample containing full-thickness bronchial mucosa and some alveo-
lar parenchyma, so this maneuver can be repeated several times from the same area of interest,
in the same time keeping as much as possible the bronchoscope in a wedged position. This
prevents the blood resulting from the biopsy site to spill into other parts of the lungs and
favors the blood clot formation having a tamponade effect over the source of bleeding. The
period of time required for an acceptable hemostasis is of at least 4 minutes after all biopsies
have been taken. Of course, one should not apply suction at any time to allow the formation of
the blood clot [46].
10. Conclusions
Transbronchial biopsy is a very important tool in the interventional bronchoscopy tools spec-
trum, mainly due to the fact that surgery can be avoided with a successful TBBx. Patients do
not easily accept surgical lung biopsy as diagnosis method because it is more invasive and it
requires general anesthesia. TBBx provides an acceptable diagnosis yield in peripheral lung
masses, depending on the size of the mass and the presence of bronchus sign, which represent
a guarantee that the mass is reachable with the forceps or needle, for that matter. TBBx is also
indicated in pulmonary tuberculosis, fungal infections, and other lung infiltrates, when the
etiology is unclear. It has an important role in immunocompromised patients and post–lung-
transplant patients for the periodic evaluation of the rejection disease, as well as opportunistic
infection diagnosis. TBBx has a lower yield, yet important, in the diagnosis of lymphangitis
carcinomatosis, sarcoidosis, pulmonary Langerhans’cell histiocytosis, and lymphangioleio-
myomatosis. Diagnosis yield is too low to consider in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and
different types of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia, as well as in lung nodules less than
2–3 cm in diameter. The main complications of this technique are hemoptysis and pneumotho-
rax, encountered in less than 2% of cases. In the event of performing this interventional
bronchoscopic procedure, one must be able to efficiently perform the procedure and manage
the complications that can follow.
How to Sample the Unreachable: Transbronchial Biopsy 13

Author details
Mihai Olteanu
1
*, Floarea Mimi Nițu
1
, Andreea Golli
1
,Mădălina Olteanu
1
, Adina Turcu
1
,
Florentina Dumitrescu
1
, Bogdan Oprea
1
, Ramona Cioboată
1
, Alin Demetrian
1
, Roxana Nemeș
2
,
Agripina Rașcu
3
, Edith Simona Ianoși
4
and Tudorel Ciurea
1
*Address all correspondence to: m78olteanu@yahoo.com
1 University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Craiova, Romania
2 Institute of Pneumophthisiology “Marius Nasta”, Bucharest, Romania
3 University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila”, Bucharest, Romania
4 University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technologies, Târgu Mureș, Romania
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