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EBUS (Endobronchial Ultrasound)
EBUS (Endobronchial Ultrasound) is an advanced bronchoscopic procedure that combines real-time ultrasound with bronchoscopy to biopsy mediastinal lymph nodes and masses — providing minimally invasive tissue diagnosis for lung cancer staging, lymphoma, sarcoidosis, and tuberculosis without the need for mediastinoscopy or surgery.
Overview
Key Benefits
Discover the advantages of choosing our ebus (endobronchial ultrasound) services.
Replaces surgical mediastinoscopy for mediastinal staging in most lung cancer presentations
Real-time ultrasound guidance achieves diagnostic accuracy exceeding 90% for positive nodes
Comprehensive multi-station sampling in a single day-case session
Molecular and genomic testing from EBUS specimens guides personalised cancer treatment
Same-day discharge with results available within 3 to 7 working days
Clinical Features
The technology, techniques and clinical approach behind our ebus (endobronchial ultrasound).
Pre-procedure CT and PET-CT lymph node mapping maximises the diagnostic efficiency of EBUS
Real-time ultrasound guidance with Doppler confirms safe needle trajectory before every pass
Multiple passes per node optimise cellular yield while avoiding vascular injury
ROSE rapid on-site evaluation confirms sample adequacy before procedure completion
Sequential multi-station sampling provides comprehensive mediastinal staging in one session
Preparation Instructions
After EBUS, observe the same post-procedure precautions as after standard bronchoscopy — no food or drink until swallow reflex has returned, no driving for 24 hours, and rest for the remainder of the day. Mild throat soreness and mild blood-tinged sputum in the first 24 hours are expected. Attend your results consultation appointment promptly as the tissue diagnosis provided by EBUS directly determines whether you proceed to surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or further investigation. Contact your pulmonology team immediately for significant haemoptysis, chest pain, or breathlessness after discharge.
The Procedure
Step-by-step guide to what you can expect during your ebus (endobronchial ultrasound) procedure.
Pre-Procedure CT and Lymph Node Mapping
Your pulmonologist reviews the CT chest and PET-CT before EBUS to precisely identify which lymph node stations are enlarged or FDG-avid — creating a sampling strategy that addresses all nodes relevant to staging or diagnosis in the most logical sequence.
Conscious Sedation and EBUS Scope Insertion
Conscious sedation and progressive topical airway anaesthesia are administered. The linear EBUS bronchoscope — with its integrated ultrasound transducer — is passed into the airways and the mediastinal structures are systematically visualised through the airway walls.
Real-Time Ultrasound Lymph Node Identification
Each target lymph node is identified under real-time ultrasound imaging — confirming its exact position, size, echogenicity, and vascular architecture before the sampling needle is advanced. Doppler imaging identifies any intervening blood vessels to avoid.
Transbronchial Needle Aspiration Under Ultrasound
The TBNA needle is advanced through the bronchial wall into the centre of the target node under direct real-time ultrasound vision and multiple back-and-forth passes collect an adequate cellular sample while continuously confirming the needle remains within the node.
Rapid On-Site Evaluation Where Available
If ROSE (rapid on-site evaluation) is available, a cytopathologist assesses a smear of each sample immediately — confirming adequate cellular material and providing a preliminary reading that guides whether additional passes are needed from each node.
Sequential Node Sampling and Specimen Handling
All identified target nodes are sampled sequentially — typically 3 to 5 nodes per session — with each specimen sent separately for cytology, cell block histology, flow cytometry, culture, and molecular testing as clinically indicated.
What to Expect
EBUS is performed under conscious sedation with topical airway anaesthesia and takes 30 to 60 minutes. The EBUS bronchoscope is advanced into the major airways and the ultrasound transducer identifies target lymph nodes under real-time imaging. A fine aspiration needle is passed through the bronchial wall into each target node and multiple cell samples are collected. Results from cytological analysis are available within 3 to 7 working days and provide crucial information for staging and treatment planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about ebus (endobronchial ultrasound).
Related Services
Explore other services in our Pulmonology department.
Dilatation Tracheal
Flexible Bronchoscopy
Thoracocentesis
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