Lung Cancer Detection
EBUS
Q-What is EBUS test?
EBUS appears like a simple machine, but, it is nothing less than a miracle. Imagine standing in a closed tunnel and being able to see what lies ahead.
It is a bronchoscopicultrasound. We enter ultrasound probe in airways through a bronchoscope to see structures beyond airway wall. Nodes, swollen structures and cancerous growth are visible on ultrasound screen. Samples can be taken to find nature of the growth.
Q- How is the procedure performed?
- The procedure is performed through an EBUS scope. Ultrasound is attached to its end. The entry of the scope in mouth can become uncomfortable to the patient. In order to minimize discomfort a local anesthetic agent Xylocaine is sprayed in the throat. Midazolam and phenergeninjections are also administered to make the process comfortable to the patient.
- The scope enters the mouth, crosses throat, goes lower down to enter the windpipe. The balloon end of the scope is inflated and needle sheath is taken out.
- The lymph node or growthis located. Then we puncture the node or growth with the needle and apply suction. After jabbing to and fro to extract the material, suction is removed and needle is taken out. Upto 12 samples are taken in this manner. It is a very safe procedure. Complication rate is minimal.
Q- Which patients need EBUS?
Patients having growth or shadow in the middle part of chest called mediastinum, require EBUS procedure. Xray chest and CT Scan chest are required before doing this procedure. Uusually such patients presents with chest pain, cough and breathlessness of varying grades.
Q- Is it a painful test?
Yes, it appears painful but with help of local anesthetic agents the level of discomfort is reduced. Discomfort is further reduced in newer equipments having balloon on the end or tip.
Q- How much time does it take?
A- A routine EBUS test takes almost 45 mins to an hr.
Q- Do you need to admit the patient for EBUS?
A- Usually, it is an OPD procedure. However, we admit very sick patients.
Q- Which diseases can be diagnosed with EBUS?
A- Our results shows that majority of problems detected during EBUS are due to TB, Sarcoidosis, Malignancy and Lymphoma.
CT scan appearance of these diseases is quite similar therefore difficult to diagnose. EBUS test makes an accurate diagnosis.
- EBUS is contraindicated in whom?
EBUS should be avoided in patients having bleeding tendency, severe infection and respiratory failure.
Q- Is EBUS available at many centres in India?
A- EBUS is available at few centers in India. In Rajasthan, Asthma Bhawan is the 1st centre doing this test.