Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)

Minimally Invasive Treatment of Lung Diseases

Any time lung cancer is suspected, mediastinal staging is used to help determine if cancers are localized or if they involve surrounding areas. This can assist in individualized treatment planning for the patient. Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) is a minimally invasive tool in the diagnosis, staging and treatment of lung cancer and other diseases of the chest.

Minimally Invasive Procedure Reduces Risk

Traditional mediastinoscopy requires an incision in the neck, and a special scope with a camera is placed in the chest. While this method is safe, it is invasive and not without potential risk. EBUS is a minimally invasive alternative. In EBUS, a bronchoscope with an ultrasound probe is inserted through the patient’s mouth, avoiding the need for a surgical incision. A specially trained physician guides a fine-gauge needle down the bronchoscope and, under ultrasound visualization, is able to pass the needle through the airway and into the targeted tissue. Using this needle, tissue sampling or biopsy are obtained for evaluation and testing.

A true multidisciplinary effort, EBUS involves a surgeon or pulmonologist, a specially trained OR staff team, and a pathologist who facilitates accurate on-site evaluation of biopsied tissue.

Benefits of EBUS

Because EBUS does not require surgical incisions, it is a particularly helpful tool in diagnosing patients who have already undergone prior surgeries, radiation treatments, or who may not be able to tolerate more invasive surgical procedures. EBUS is performed in an outpatient setting under general anesthesia, and can be performed under sedation alone when necessary.

In addition, EBUS is useful for patients who need CyberKnife radiation therapy treatments. It is used to accurately place the fiducial markers into tissues or lymph nodes, a process that is required to assist in CyberKnife treatment planning.

Request an Appointment

The EBUS procedure is available to all members of Delaware County and beyond. It is performed at Delaware County Memorial Hospital in Drexel Hill.

To request an appointment with a Crozer Health lung specialist to determine if EBUS is right for you, please call 1-800-254-3258 (1-800-254-3258). To request an appointment with a lung cancer specialist, please call 1-866-695-HOPE (1-866-695-4673) or fill out and submit our secure, online appointment request form.