EBUS
What Is EBUS Bronchoscopy?
EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound) bronchoscopy is a procedure used to diagnose different types of lung disorders, including inflammation, infections or cancer. Performed by a pulmonologist, EBUS bronchoscopy uses a flexible tube that goes through your mouth and into your windpipe and lungs. Similar to, though smaller than, the device used during a colonoscopy, the EBUS scope has a video camera with an ultrasound probe attached to create a local images of your lungs and nearby lymph nodes in order to accurately locate and evaluate areas seen on x-rays or scans that need a closer look.
What to Expect
Your physician might obtain bloodwork prior to your procedure, and the evening before, you will be asked to not eat or drink after midnight, depending on when the procedure is scheduled. On the day of your procedure, you will receive an IV to administer medications that will keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. Sometimes anesthesia will be used to put you completely asleep. Once you are comfortable or asleep, your doctor will insert the camera through your mouth to begin the EBUS bronchoscopy.
Using the camera and the ultrasound, your doctor will examine and collect samples from your lung, which are usually taken with a small needle. You may experience a mild cough and a sore throat, but both will usually go away a day later.
EBUS bronchoscopy is an outpatient procedure, and you will generally be allowed to go home after a brief observation period. You will be asked to have someone drive you home from the procedure.