DefinitionAn open lung biopsy is surgery to remove a small piece of tissue from the lung. The sample is then examined for cancer, infection, or lung disease.Alternative NamesBiopsy - open lungHow the test is performedAn open lung biopsy is done in a hospital operating room under general anesthesia, which means you are asleep and pain-free. A tube will be placed through the mouth and into the airway that leads to the lungs.After cleaning the skin, the surgeon makes a cut in the chest area and removes a small piece of lung tissue. The wound is closed with stitches.A chest tube may be left in place for 1 - 2 days to prevent the lung from collapsing.How to prepare for the testYou should tell the health care provider if you are pregnant, allergic to any medications, and if you have a bleeding p