Abstract
Accurate staging of lung cancer is vital in planning treatment and informing prognosis. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is now available in several centres in Northern Ireland.
In selected cases, hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes can be sampled in a minimally invasive way under ultrasound guidance, improving diagnostic yield and avoiding the need for a mediastinoscopy. The target node or mass is localised using a combination of an endobronchial image, real-time ultrasound image of structures beyond the airway lumen and doppler flow to help avoid vascular structures. Complication rates are low and the procedure is well-tolerated.
In a direct comparison with mediastinoscopy, EBUS-TBNA demonstrated significantly greater sensitivity1. We are looking forward to the initial feedback from the local consultants who are using this exciting new diagnostic tool.
In selected cases, hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes can be sampled in a minimally invasive way under ultrasound guidance, improving diagnostic yield and avoiding the need for a mediastinoscopy. The target node or mass is localised using a combination of an endobronchial image, real-time ultrasound image of structures beyond the airway lumen and doppler flow to help avoid vascular structures. Complication rates are low and the procedure is well-tolerated.
In a direct comparison with mediastinoscopy, EBUS-TBNA demonstrated significantly greater sensitivity1. We are looking forward to the initial feedback from the local consultants who are using this exciting new diagnostic tool.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 69 |
| Number of pages | 1 |
| Journal | The Ulster Medical Journal |
| Volume | 83 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - 01 Jan 2014 |
Keywords
- EBUS
- lung cancer
- staging
- bronchoscopy
