EBUS-TBNA (Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration)

EBUS-TBNA

(Endobronchial Ultrasound-Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration)

Minimally Invasive, High-Precision Lung and Mediastinal Biopsy

🔍 What is EBUS-TBNA?

EBUS-TBNA is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure used to sample (biopsy) lymph nodes and masses located in and around the lungs and mediastinum (the central part of the chest cavity between the lungs).

It is performed using a bronchoscope equipped with an ultrasound probe, allowing doctors to visualize structures beyond the airway walls in real-time and collect tissue samples with a fine needle — all through the airways, without external incisions.

🧑‍⚕️ Common Indications

EBUS-TBNA is commonly used to:

Diagnose or stage lung cancer

Investigate enlarged mediastinal or hilar lymph nodes

Diagnose sarcoidosis

Evaluate tuberculosis or fungal infections

Assess lymphoma or metastatic cancers

Avoid the need for more invasive surgeries (e.g., mediastinoscopy)

🧬 What Does the Procedure Involve?

Preparation

Performed under local anesthesia and sedation (or general anesthesia in some cases)

Patients fast for a few hours before the procedure

During the Procedure

A flexible bronchoscope with a built-in ultrasound is passed through the mouth and into the trachea

Ultrasound imaging guides the needle into the lymph node or mass

Tissue samples are collected through the needle for cytology and histopathology

Duration

The procedure usually takes 30–60 minutes

Recovery

Patients are monitored for a few hours post-procedure

Most can go home the same day

🔬 Benefits of EBUS-TBNA

✅ Minimally invasive – no external incisions

✅ Real-time, accurate needle placement

✅ High diagnostic yield (~85–95%)

✅ Outpatient procedure in most cases

✅ Lower risk and cost than surgical biopsy

✅ Useful for both diagnosis and staging of cancers

⚠️ Risks and Complications (Rare)

Bleeding or infection at biopsy site

Temporary sore throat or hoarseness

Very rarely, pneumothorax (collapsed lung)

Reaction to sedatives or anesthesia

📊 Accuracy and Reliability

Sensitivity: Up to 90% for malignant diseases

Specificity: Close to 100%

Especially valuable in diagnosing lung cancer, lymphoma, sarcoidosis, and TB

🏥 Why Choose EBUS-TBNA at Our Center?

Under the expert care of Dr. Shubham Sharma, our center offers state-of-the-art endoscopic procedures with:

Modern EBUS technology

On-site pathology (Rapid On-Site Evaluation – ROSE, if available)

Skilled pulmonology and anesthesia team

Minimal wait times and fast reporting

📌 Preparation Instructions for Patients

Do not eat or drink for 6 hours before the procedure

Inform your doctor about:

Any medications, especially blood thinners

Allergies

Heart or lung conditions

Arrange for someone to escort you home

📞 To Schedule an EBUS-TBNA Appointment

Dr. Shubham Sharma – Pulmonary & Chest Care Specialist :- Best Pulmonologist in Jaipur

🫁 A Safer Path to Diagnosis

With EBUS-TBNA, you gain access to a highly accurate, low-risk diagnostic tool that avoids the need for open surgical biopsies. Whether it’s for cancer staging or diagnosing complex lung diseases, EBUS-TBNA offers clarity and confidence — quickly and safely.