Pneumothorax after a lung biopsy: what to do next

Information for patients with a small pneumothorax after a lung biopsy at North Bristol NHS Trust

You have had a small sample taken of an abnormal area of your lung today, using local anaesthetic and image guidance. 

Following the procedure, you have a small pneumothorax (collapse of the lung). We are happy that you are safe to go home today, but would like you to come back for another chest X-ray in a few days so we can review your lungs. This is to make sure the pneumothorax (lung collapse) is stable, or improving.

When to come back to Gate 18 Radiology Department

We will give you a date and time to come back to Gate 18 for a chest X-ray. 

You can go home after the X-ray and we will phone you with the result. We will tell you what to do next.

If you have any of the following at home today/tonight, you should go to Southmead Emergency Department or call 999:

• Severe pain when breathing.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Coughing up large amounts of blood (tablespoons).
• Persistent fever (high temperature).

You can remove the dressing after 24 hours. 

If you have any questions following the procedure, please contact the Lung Cancer Nurse Specialists on 0117 414 1900

© North Bristol NHS Trust. This edition published March 2025. Review due March 2028. NBT003634.