Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)
Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is used to diagnose and stage lung cancer, detect infection, and determine if any disease has spread to other parts of the body. During the procedure, a thin and flexible bronchoscope is fitted with an ultrasound device and guided inside the airways and lungs for exploration of the structures of airway walls, the surrounding tissues, and the lungs.
Reasons for the Procedure
- EBUS is used to biopsy a tissue or fluid sample from the lungs and surrounding lymph nodes of the chest. These samples are used to diagnose and stage lung cancer, discover infection and determine if any disease has spread to other parts of the body.
Benefits of Endobronchial Ultrasound
- EBUS provides images that allow the physician to access smaller areas in the airways, blood vessels, lymph nodes and lungs.
- EBUS allows a less invasive alternative to conventional mediastinoscopy – a surgical procedure that requires multiple incisions in the chest under general anesthesia.
- EBUS allows the physician to use a thin needle aspiration under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. The patient can return home upon completion of the procedure.