Gelfoam to Prevent Pneumothorax After Lung Biopsy

Lung cancer is the deadliest of all cancers, and its incidence is on the rise. The importance of accurate and efficient lung biopsy without complications will only increase in importance going forward. Pneumothorax is a common complication of CT-guided lung biopsy. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of using Gelfoam slurry in preventing pneumothorax from lung biopsy in a randomized controlled trial. Gelfoam (Pfizer, New York, NY, USA) is gelatin product approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for hemostasis during various procedures. In the study group, the needle track will be laced with Gelfoam slurry following biopsy, and will be compared to standard lung biopsy without any other interventions. Both groups will be followed up with chest x-ray for pneumothorax.