After the anesthetic takes effect and the patient is unconscious, the surgeon makes an incision and removes a bone specimen. The specimen is sent to the laboratory for immediate analysis. Results of that analysis may indicate that additional surgery should be performed right away. No special preparation is needed for a drill biopsy, but a patient must fast for at least 12 hours before an open biopsy. Aftercare Pain medication will be prescribed after a biopsy, and vital signs will be monitored until they return to normal.
Most patients can go home in about an hour.
If bone was removed from the spine, the patient may stay in the hospital overnight. Bleeding through the bandage at the biopsy site. Risks Risks include bone fracture, injury to nearby tissue, and infection. Bleeding is a rare complication. Normal results Normal bone is made up of collagen fibers and bone tissue.