Patient guide
Endobronchial ultrasound lets us sample lymph nodes and masses next to the airway without surgery — the most accurate first step in diagnosing and staging lung cancer.
EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound) is a bronchoscopy with a small ultrasound probe that lets Dr. Arun Gangadhar see lymph nodes and masses beside the airway and sample them with a fine needle, without any surgical cut. It is done under sedation in Coimbatore, usually takes 30–45 minutes, and most patients go home the same day.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Arun Gangadhar, MBBS, DNB (Pulmonary Medicine), MNAMS, IDCCM, EDARM — Consultant Interventional Pulmonologist & Sleep Physician, Sri Ramakrishna Hospital and Lung Care — The Pulmonary Clinic, Coimbatore.
Dr. Arun Gangadhar pioneered the radial EBUS programme at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, Coimbatore, and performed the first linear and radial EBUS-guided sampling in Thrissur district. Both linear EBUS (for lymph nodes and central masses) and radial EBUS (for peripheral lung nodules) are available here.
For most patients this replaces a surgical mediastinoscopy: same diagnostic accuracy, no incision, day-care discharge, and a faster route to treatment.
Before you come
Questions
EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound) is a bronchoscopy in which a small ultrasound probe on the tip of the scope lets the doctor see lymph nodes and masses beside the airway, then take a needle sample from them under live ultrasound guidance — without any surgical cut.
It is most often advised when a CT scan shows enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes or a mass near the airway, to confirm or rule out lung cancer, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis or lymphoma, and to stage lung cancer accurately before treatment.
Come fasting for about six hours, bring all previous scans and reports, and tell the team about blood thinners, diabetes medicines and allergies. Arrange for someone to accompany you home.
The procedure is done under sedation or short anaesthesia, so you do not feel pain. It usually takes 30–45 minutes, and most patients go home the same day.
Rapid on-site evaluation can give a preliminary answer during the procedure; the full pathology and microbiology report is usually ready in two to five days.
Bring your CT and reports for a second opinion. You will leave knowing whether a procedure is needed, and what it involves.
Evidence
The medical information on this page is informed by established clinical guidance and patient resources. These links are provided for further reading.