Anesthesiologist Questions Anesthesiologist

How long does thyroid biopsy take under general anesthesia?

I will have a thyroid biopsy under general anesthesia. How long does thyroid biopsy take under general anesthesia?

3 Answers

A thyroid biopsy typically does not require general anesthesia. It is usually performed under local anesthesia, which means you will be awake during the procedure. The local anesthetic is used to numb the area around your thyroid gland, making the procedure relatively painless.

During a thyroid biopsy, a thin needle is inserted into the thyroid nodule or suspicious area to obtain a tissue sample for examination. This procedure is known as a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy.

General anesthesia, which puts you to sleep completely, is typically reserved for more extensive surgeries or procedures that require you to be unconscious. Since a thyroid biopsy is a relatively quick and straightforward procedure, it can be done with local anesthesia, and you will remain awake throughout.

The entire process, including preparation and recovery, usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour. However, this can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the number of biopsies being taken.

It's essential to discuss the details of your thyroid biopsy, including the type of anesthesia, with your healthcare provider or surgeon beforehand to ensure you have a clear understanding of what to expect during the procedure.
No more than 10 minutes
It depends 2-4 hours.