Introduction

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is an advanced, minimally invasive diagnostic procedure used to evaluate the lungs, airways, and lymph nodes within the chest. It combines bronchoscopy with ultrasound imaging, allowing doctors to see structures beyond the airway walls that cannot be visualised with standard bronchoscopy alone.

At KIMSHEALTH, EBUS plays a central role in the accurate diagnosis and staging of lung cancer, as well as in the evaluation of conditions such as tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, and unexplained lymph node enlargement—often avoiding the need for more invasive surgical biopsies.

What is Endobronchial Ultrasound?

Endobronchial ultrasound uses a flexible bronchoscope fitted with:

• A high-resolution camera
• A miniature ultrasound probe at its tip

The bronchoscope is passed through the nose or mouth into the windpipe and lungs. The ultrasound probe emits sound waves that create real-time images of:

• Lung tissue
• Mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes
• Blood vessels and surrounding chest structures

This dual-imaging approach allows precise localisation of abnormalities.

Why is EBUS Done?

EBUS is most commonly performed to diagnose and stage lung cancer, but it has a wide range of other important clinical uses.

Common Indications for EBUS

Your doctor may recommend EBUS to:

• Diagnose lung cancer
• Determine whether lung cancer has spread to lymph nodes (cancer staging)
• Evaluate enlarged lymph nodes seen on CT or PET scans
• Investigate causes of persistent cough, breathlessness, or chest symptoms
• Diagnose sarcoidosis
• Evaluate tuberculosis or other infections
• Clarify unexplained abnormalities in the chest

EBUS with TBNA (Needle Biopsy)

What is EBUS-TBNA?

• A fine needle is passed through the bronchoscope
• The needle is guided by ultrasound
• Tissue samples are taken from lymph nodes or lung lesions

This allows:

• Accurate tissue diagnosis
• Cancer staging in a single procedure
• Avoidance of surgical biopsies in many patients

How Do I Prepare for an EBUS?

Before the Procedure

Your healthcare team will give you specific instructions. Preparation usually includes:

Medical Assessment

• Physical examination
• Blood tests
• Review of CT, PET, or other imaging studies

Medication Review

Tell your doctor about:

• All prescription and over-the-counter medicines
• Blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, DOACs)
• Herbal supplements
• Allergies
• Bleeding disorders or previous anaesthesia issues

Some medicines may need to be stopped temporarily.

Fasting

• No food or drink for 6–8 hours before the procedure

Aftercare Planning

• Arrange for someone to take you home
• You may need assistance for the rest of the day

What Happens During an EBUS?

Step-by-Step Overview

• An IV line is placed for medications

• Local anaesthetic numbs the throat or nose

• Sedation or general anaesthesia is given

• Continuous monitoring of:

  • Oxygen levels
  • Heart rate
  • Blood pressure

• The bronchoscope is gently inserted through the nose or mouth

• The camera and ultrasound provide live images on a monitor

• If needed, needle biopsy (TBNA) is performed under ultrasound guidance

• The bronchoscope is removed carefully

What Happens After EBUS?

You will be monitored until the effects of sedation wear off.

Common After-effects

• Mild sore throat or hoarseness
• Temporary cough
• Small amounts of blood-streaked sputum (especially after TBNA)
• Drowsiness for several hours

Discharge

• Most patients go home the same day
• Normal activities usually resume the next day

Your doctor will discuss:

• Test results timeline
• Further investigations or treatment if required

What Are the Risks of EBUS?

EBUS is considered very safe, especially when performed by experienced pulmonologists.

Possible Risks

• Mild bleeding
• Infection or fever
• Temporary drop in oxygen levels
• Low blood pressure from sedatives
• Abnormal heart rhythm (usually short-lived)
• Lung injury or airway irritation
• Collapsed lung (pneumothorax) – rare, mainly with TBNA

Serious complications are uncommon.

When Should I Seek Medical Help?

Call Emergency Services Immediately If You:

• Develop sudden or severe breathing difficulty
• Cough up a large amount of blood
• Experience chest pain or tightness

Why Choose KIMSHEALTH for EBUS?

• Highly experienced pulmonology team
• Advanced EBUS-TBNA technology
• Multidisciplinary lung cancer evaluation
• Strict safety and infection-control protocols
• Comprehensive diagnostic and follow-up care

KIMSHEALTH Call to Action

Need expert evaluation?

📞 Book a consultation with the Pulmonology Department at KIMSHEALTH to determine whether EBUS is right for you.