What is an Endoscopic Ultrasound Bronchoscopy?
An endoscopic ultrasound bronchoscopy (EBUS) is like a regular bronchoscopy , but the bronchoscope is fitted with an ultrasound device. EBUS is performed to diagnose certain lung conditions, evaluate enlarged lymph nodes, and stage lung cancer and determine if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. This procedure allows your provider to obtain real-time images of your lungs and identify difficult to reach tumors.
Causes for an Endoscopic Ultrasound Bronchoscopy
The most common reasons for needing an endoscopic ultrasound bronchoscopy are due to a persistent cough, infection or something unusual seen on a chest X-ray. It is most commonly done by a pulmonologist to find the cause of your lung problem. Other reasons may include:
- Diagnosis of a lung problem.
- Identification of a lung infection.
- Biopsy of tissue from the lung.
- Removal of mucus, foreign body or obstruction in the airways or lung.
- Placement of a small tube to hold airway open.
- Treatment of a lung problem, such as bleeding or a collapsed lung.
- Check the lymph nodes in the chest.
Risk Factors for an Endoscopic Ultrasound Bronchoscopy
As with all procedures, there are certain risks associated with an endoscopic ultrasound bronchoscopy. Although they are uncommon and usually minor, they are more likely if airways are inflamed or damaged by disease. Complications can be related to the procedure itself or the sedative or topical numbing medication. The most common complications include:
- Bleeding.
- Collapsed lung.
- Fever.
- Infection.
What to Expect During an Endoscopic Ultrasound Bronchoscopy
Prior to your procedure, you may need to stop taking certain medications for several days before. You may be asked not to eat or drink for four to eight hours before the procedure. You will be hooked up to monitors to track your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels during the procedure. A sedative medication will be administered to help you relax or sometimes put you to sleep, and a numbing medication will be sprayed into your throat.
Once you are comfortable, the bronchoscope, a very thin tube with a light and small camera, will slowly be placed down the back of your throat through the vocal cords and into the airways. Although it might be uncomfortable, it shouldn’t hurt. Then, images of your lungs and nearby lymph nodes will be taken and the camera will be removed.
Following your procedure, it is normal to feel numbness in your mouth and throat for a few hours. When the numbing medication has worn off, you will be allowed something to eat and drink. Mild sore throat, hoarseness and a cough or muscle aches is normal in the days following. Warm water gargles can help with the discomfort.
Your provider will discuss your results with you one to three days after the procedure. From there, treatment options will be discussed based on the findings of the bronchoscopy. Additional tests or procedures may be needed.
Contact your provider right away if you experience:
- Fever and/or chills that lasts more than 24 hours.
- Increasing chest pain.
- Trouble breathing.
- Coughing up more than a small amount of blood.
- Severe nausea or vomiting.
- Pain that is not controlled by the provided medication.