What is endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)?
EBUS combines bronchoscopy with ultrasound to examine structures in and around the airways. Your specialist will explain what needs to be sampled and why.
EBUS in combination with transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is most commonly used as a tool to diagnose, stage, and restage patients with suspected or known non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
It can also be used to take samples from enlarged lymph nodes of unknown cause or masses in the centre of the chest, lung nodules, and abnormalities inside or around the airways, and can guide treatments such as placing an airway stent. Use of EBUS may be limited by its availability and training, which is institution and provider dependent.
There are two types of EBUS:
- Radial probe EBUS (RP-EBUS)
- Convex probe EBUS (CP-EBUS)
The EBUS procedure is a minimally invasive day procedure that is done under sedation (not a general anaesthetic). Patients are usually able to return home on the day of the procedure.
EBUS has replaced some of the more invasive thoracic surgeries including mediastinoscopy and surgical lung biopsy which have relatively higher risks of mortality and morbidity.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the EBUS procedure done under general anaesthetic?
No. EBUS is performed under sedation rather than a general anaesthetic. It is a minimally invasive day procedure, and most patients can return home the same day.