When a CT scan shows enlarged lymph nodes or a mass in the chest, the next big question is: what is it? It could be tuberculosis, lung cancer, sarcoidosis, lymphoma or another condition, and the treatment for each is completely different. Earlier, getting a tissue sample from deep inside the chest often required surgery. Today, EBUS (Endobronchial Ultrasound) makes this possible without any surgical cut. In this video, Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician & Interventional Pulmonologist, explains how it works.

What Is EBUS?

EBUS is a special bronchoscopy procedure. A thin, flexible tube (bronchoscope) with a small ultrasound probe at its tip is passed through the mouth into the windpipe and airways. The ultrasound lets the doctor see lymph nodes, masses and blood vessels outside the airway walls, areas a normal bronchoscope cannot see. Under real-time ultrasound guidance, a fine needle takes samples from the target. This is called EBUS-TBNA (transbronchial needle aspiration).

Radial-probe EBUS is a related technique that helps locate and sample small nodules in the outer parts of the lungs.

When Is EBUS Recommended?

• Enlarged lymph nodes in the chest (mediastinum) seen on a CT scan
• A mass or tumour near the central airways
• Suspected lung cancer, both to confirm the diagnosis and to check whether it has spread to lymph nodes (staging), which guides treatment
• Suspected tuberculosis of the lymph nodes
• Suspected sarcoidosis or lymphoma

What Happens During the Procedure

1. Preparation: you’ll be asked not to eat or drink for several hours beforehand. Tell your doctor about all your medicines, especially blood thinners, which may need to be stopped.
2. Sedation or anaesthesia: you’ll be given sedation or anaesthesia so you’re comfortable and don’t feel pain.
3. The procedure: the bronchoscope is passed through the mouth. The doctor uses ultrasound to find the target and takes samples with a fine needle. It usually takes about 30–60 minutes.
4. Recovery: you’ll be monitored for a few hours, and most patients go home the same day.
5. Results: samples are sent for laboratory tests, and results usually come in a few days.

Benefits of EBUS

• No surgical cut or scar
• Highly accurate samples, guided in real time by ultrasound
• Can diagnose and stage lung cancer in one procedure
• Short recovery, usually a day-care procedure
• Often avoids the need for more invasive surgical biopsy

Is EBUS Safe?

EBUS is a safe procedure. Common side effects are mild: sore throat, cough, or a small amount of blood in the sputum for a day or two. Serious complications such as significant bleeding, infection or collapsed lung are uncommon.

Seek medical help if you have fever, chest pain, breathlessness or coughing up more than a small amount of blood after the procedure.

Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com