The procedure can also help determine the stage of lung cancer.
Endobronchial ultrasound is typically performed on an outpatient basis.
Endobronchial ultrasound can be used to determine the extent of tumor invasion in the central airways.
magicmine / Getty Images
It is typically ordered when initial imaging tests and lab tests are strongly suggestive of the disease.
EBUS is also sometimes used to diagnose lung infections, although its efficacy can vary.
Your healthcare provider may also want to perform a biopsy during your EBUS test.
EBUS is a pop in of bronchoscopy that uses ultrasound to obtain these images.
Risks and Contraindications
The risks and contraindications for endobronchial ultrasonography are similar to those of bronchoscopy.
Some are mild and transient, resolving without treatment, while others require medical intervention.
Knowing what to expect can help you prepare.
Location
Endobronchial ultrasound is performed in an operating room or special procedure suite of a hospital.
It is best to leave any jewelry or valuables at home.
Also be prepared to remove any dentures, hearing aids, contact lenses, or eyeglasses before the procedure.
You will be given a secure place to store these along with your clothing and other belongings.
Most EBUS procedures are scheduled in the morning so that you don’t get excessively hungry.
In the final two hours, do not eat or drink anything.
Some medications can interfere with coagulation (blood clotting), leading to excessive bleeding and poor wound healing.
Others may cause the excessive and harmful build-up oflactic acid in the blood.
Advise your healthcare provider about any and all drugs you take to avoid potential harm.
This includes payments made by both the insurer and the patient.
Prior authorizationis required from your medical insurer before EBUS can be covered.
To estimate your out-of-pocket expense, check thecopay or coinsuranceprovisions in your policy before or after thedeductible.
Because there may be waiting time, think about bringing something to read or occupy yourself with.
EBUS Procedure
Endobronchial ultrasonography is performed by a pulmonologist along with an anesthesiologist and surgical nurse.
Your anesthesiologist will ask you about any allergies you have or adverse reactions you’ve experienced with anesthesia.
The healthcare provider should also advise about thetype of anesthesiabeing used and what to expect afterward.
You will also have adhesive probes attached to your chest to monitor your heartbeat on the ECG machine.
Apulse oximeterwill be placed on your finger to monitor your blood oxygen levels.
The gadget will then be removed and replaced with an EBUS bronchoscope.
Even so, it is not uncommon to experience nausea and feel unsteady due to the anesthesia.
After returning home, it is best to relax and take it easy for a day or so.
You should not drive or operate heavy machinery for at least 24 hours following the procedure.
These may besigns of an infection.
These could besigns of a heart attack.
It is a minimally invasive procedure that can be done on an outpatient basis.
They may also take a biopsy during the procedure.
doi:10.1183/13993003.congress-2023.PA1793
Jantz MA.Lung cancer staging: accuracy is critical.J Thorac Dis.
2019;11(Suppl 9):S1322-4.
2020;12(3):1085-1099. doi:10.21037/jtd.2019.10.76
City of Hope.EBUS procedure.
2020;10(7):459. doi:10.3390/diagnostics10070459
Stevic R, Milenkovic B.Tracheobronchial tumors.J Thorac Dis.
2016;8(11):3401-13. doi:10.21037/jtd.2016.11.24
