Is this you?

The information on this page may be relevant if any of the following describe your situation:

• Your specialist has recommended a biopsy of an area seen on a scan.
• A fluid collection has been identified on imaging that may require drainage.
• Your clinical team has advised that a tissue sample is needed to help clarify a diagnosis before treatment planning.
• You have been advised that an image-guided approach may be preferred over surgical exploration.

What are image-guided biopsy and drainage?

Image-guided biopsy uses ultrasound or CT imaging to guide a fine needle precisely to a targeted area in order to obtain a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis.

Image-guided drainage uses similar imaging guidance to place a small catheter into a fluid collection — such as an abscess, ascites, or other collection seen on imaging — to allow controlled drainage.

Who may be suitable?

These procedures are usually requested by your treating clinical team when imaging has identified a specific area requiring further assessment or treatment.

Suitability is assessed on an individual basis and depends on:

• The location of the target area
• The type and quality of available imaging
• Your overall clinical condition

What the procedure involves

Both procedures are typically performed under local anaesthetic.

Ultrasound or CT imaging is used to guide a needle or drain precisely to the target area. In most cases, the procedure is performed as a day case, and patients return home the same day.

Recovery and follow-up

After a biopsy, samples are sent to the laboratory and results are reviewed by your referring clinical team, who will arrange follow-up.

After drainage, a catheter may remain in place for a variable period — from hours to several days — depending on the clinical situation. You will be given specific instructions for care and monitoring before discharge.

Recovery varies depending on the procedure and underlying condition and will be explained as part of your individual care plan.

Risks and what we discuss at consultation

As with any medical procedure, image-guided biopsy and drainage carry potential risks.

These may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Pain or discomfort at the entry site
• Injury to nearby structures depending on the location
• For chest procedures, a small risk of pneumothorax (air around the lung)

The risks, benefits, and alternatives relevant to your situation are discussed in detail before any procedure is performed.

How to be referred

Image-guided biopsy and drainage procedures are typically arranged via referral from your clinical team.

Referrals can be made through the clinic referral pathway or by contacting the clinic directly. We will liaise with the relevant specialists to coordinate care.