Population-based estimates of transbronchial lung biopsy utilization and complications.

Summary Background Little is known about trends in the utilization or complication rates of transbronchial lung biopsy, particularly in community hospitals. Methods We used the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Florida State Inpatient and State Ambulatory Surgical Databases to assess trends in transbronchial lung biopsy utilization in adults from 2000 to 2009. We subsequently calculated population based estimates of complications associated with transbronchial lung biopsy (iatrogenic pneumothorax and procedure-related hemorrhage) and identified characteristics associated with complications. Results From 2000 to 2009, the age-adjusted rate of transbronchial biopsies per 100,000 adults in Florida decreased by 25% from 74 to 55 ( p Conclusions Utilization of transbronchial lung biopsy is decreasing relative to the overall use of bronchoscopy. Nevertheless, it remains a safe procedure with low risk of complications.