Precise Diagnostic Solutions
We work closely with your rheumatologist or neurologist to perform safe, accurate biopsies that provide the definitive answers needed for your treatment plan.
Finding the Root Cause
Sometimes, blood tests and imaging aren't enough to confirm a diagnosis. Your specialist may refer you to a surgeon to obtain a small sample of tissue for microscopic analysis.
At California Surgical Specialists, we perform these diagnostic procedures with precision and care. We understand that you are looking for answers, and our goal is to provide a high-quality sample while ensuring your comfort and minimal scarring.
Diagnosing Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)
The Condition:
Giant Cell Arteritis (also called Temporal Arteritis) is an inflammation of the lining of the arteries, often causing severe headaches, jaw pain, or vision changes.
The Procedure:
- We make a small incision (about 1 inch) in the hairline or temple area.
- A small section of the temporal artery is removed.
- The incision is closed with fine sutures to hide the scar.
Why it's needed:
It is the "gold standard" for diagnosis. Confirming GCA is critical because untreated arteritis can lead to blindness, while treating it requires long-term steroids that you shouldn't take if you don't actually have the disease.
Diagnosing Neuromuscular Disorders
The Condition:
Used to investigate unexplained muscle weakness, pain, or suspected diseases like Polymyositis or Vasculitis.
The Procedure:
- We typically select a muscle in the thigh or upper arm (depending on your symptoms).
- A small sample of muscle tissue is carefully removed.
- The sample is sent to specialized labs for analysis.
Why it's needed:
It allows pathologists to look at the muscle structure and nerve endings to pinpoint the specific type of muscle disease.
A Simple Outpatient Visit
Anesthesia
Most of these procedures are done under local anesthesia (numbing shots) with optional light sedation to keep you relaxed.
Duration
The procedure typically takes 30–45 minutes.
Recovery
You will go home the same day. There is usually minimal pain, managed with over-the-counter medication.
Results
We send the tissue immediately to pathology. Your referring doctor (Rheumatologist/Neurologist) will typically discuss the final results with you in 3–5 days.
Surgical Precision
While these are "minor" procedures, they require anatomical knowledge to avoid damaging nearby nerves (especially the facial nerve near the temple). Dr. Abidali and Dr. Qureshi perform these with the same meticulous attention to detail used in major surgeries, ensuring a safe procedure and a high-quality diagnostic sample.