What is Open Lymph Node Biopsy

Open lymph node biopsy is a procedure to remove a lymph node so that it can be examined under a microscope. Lymph nodes are part of the body’s disease-fighting (immune) system.

The immune system protects the body from infections, germs, and diseases. An open lymph node biopsy may be done to:

• Look for germs or cancer cells in your lymph node.
• Find out why your lymph node is swollen.
• Find out more about a condition you have.

Lymph nodes are found in many locations in the body. Biopsies are often done on lymph nodes in the head, neck, armpit, or groin.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any surgeries you have had.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

• Infection.
• Bleeding.
• Allergic reactions to medicines.
• Damage to other structures or organs, such as a nerve.
• Scarring.

What happens before the procedure?

• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
• Ask your health care provider about:
  • Changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
  • Taking medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These medicines can thin your blood. Do not take these medicines before your procedure if your health care provider instructs you not to.
• Ask your health care provider how your surgical site will be marked or identified.
• You may be given antibiotic medicine to help prevent infection.
• You may have an exam or testing.
• You may have a blood or urine sample taken.
• Plan to have someone take you home after the procedure.
• If you will be going home right after the procedure, plan to have someone with you for 24 hours.

What happens during the procedure?

• An IV tube will be inserted into one of your veins.
• To reduce your risk of infection:
  • Your health care team will wash or sanitize their hands.
  • The skin where your lymph node is located will be cleaned with a germ-killing (antiseptic) solution.
• You will be given medicine (local anesthetic) to numb the area around your lymph node. You may also be given medicine to help you relax (sedative).
• An incision will be made in the area where your lymph node is located.
• Your lymph node will be removed.
• Your incision will be closed with stitches (sutures).
• An antibiotic ointment may be applied to your incision.
• A bandage (dressing) will be placed over your incision.

What happens after the procedure?

• Do not drive for 24 hours if you received a sedative.
• Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and blood oxygen level will be monitored often until the medicines you were given have worn off.
• You may have to wear compression stockings. These stockings help to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling in your legs.

Open Lymph Node Biopsy, Care After

Refer to this sheet in the next few weeks. These instructions provide you with information about caring for yourself after your procedure. Your health care provider may also give you more specific instructions. Your treatment has been planned according to current medical practices, but problems sometimes occur. Call your health care provider if you have any problems or questions after your procedure.

What can I expect after the procedure?

After the procedure, it is common to have:

• Bruising.
• Soreness.
• Mild swelling.

Follow these instructions at home:

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
• If you were prescribed an antibiotic medicine, take it as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.

Incision care

• Follow instructions from your health care provider about how to take care of your incision. Make sure you:
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before you change your bandage (dressing). If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • Change your dressing as told by your health care provider.
  • Leave stitches (sutures), skin glue, or adhesive strips in place. These skin closures may need to stay in place for 2 weeks or longer. If adhesive strip edges start to loosen and curl up, you may trim the loose edges. Do not remove adhesive strips completely unless your health care provider tells you to do that.
• Check your incision area every day for signs of infection. Check for:
  • More redness, swelling, or pain.
  • More fluid or blood.
  • Warmth.
  • Pus or a bad smell.

Driving

• Do not drive for 24 hours if you received a sedative.
• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medicine.

General instructions

• It is your responsibility to get the results of your procedure. Ask your health care provider or the department performing the procedure when your results will be ready.
• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.
• Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves.
• Wear compression stockings as told by your health care provider. These stockings help to prevent blood clots and reduce swelling in your legs.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• You have more redness, swelling, or pain around your incision.
• You have more fluid or blood coming from your incision.
• Your incision feels warm to the touch.
• You have pus or a bad smell coming from your incision.
• You have a fever.
• You have pain or numbness that gets worse or lasts longer than a few days.