What Is EBUS — Endobronchial Ultrasound?
EBUS — Endobronchial Ultrasound — combines a bronchoscope with a miniature ultrasound probe. It allows the doctor to see and sample structures outside the airways (lymph nodes, tumours) that a standard bronchoscope cannot reach — all without surgery or a single incision.
What EBUS can sample
- Mediastinal lymph nodes
- Hilar lymph nodes
- Lung masses adjacent to airways
- Subcarinal nodes
- Paratracheal nodes
Conditions diagnosed by EBUS
- Lung cancer — staging and diagnosis
- Sarcoidosis
- Tuberculosis (mediastinal TB)
- Lymphoma
- Metastatic cancer to lymph nodes
- Unexplained lymphadenopathy
EBUS vs surgical biopsy
- No incision
- No general anaesthesia required
- Same-day procedure
- Lower complication risk
- Equally accurate for lymph node sampling
- Can be combined with bronchoscopy
EBUS for Lung Cancer Staging
Before lung cancer treatment begins, doctors need to know whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. EBUS is the most accurate minimally invasive method to determine this.
Why staging matters
Node-negative (N0)
Surgery may be curative — no spread to lymph nodes
Node-positive (N1–N3)
Chemotherapy or radiation may be needed before or instead of surgery
Distant spread (M1)
Systemic treatment required — surgery not appropriate
EBUS accuracy
Sensitivity >90% for mediastinal staging — equivalent to surgical mediastinoscopy
Important: EBUS results directly determine treatment decisions. Accurate staging avoids unnecessary surgery and guides oncologists to the right treatment plan.
What to Expect
Before EBUS
- Fast for 6 hours before the procedure
- Blood thinners may need to be stopped
- Bring CT scan or PET scan images
- Arrange someone to drive you home
- Inform team of all medications
During and after EBUS
- Light IV sedation — you are comfortable but drowsy
- Procedure takes 30–60 minutes
- Ultrasound probe locates lymph nodes precisely
- Fine needle samples taken under direct ultrasound guidance
- Recovery 1–2 hours at clinic
- Mild sore throat is normal for 24 hours
- Results in 5–7 working days
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EBUS available in Hyderabad?
Yes. Dr. Kunal Waghray performs EBUS at Respire Airway Clinics. Very few centres in Hyderabad offer this procedure — it requires specialist training and dedicated equipment.
Is EBUS painful?
No. Light sedation is given before the procedure. You may feel mild pressure but no significant pain. Most patients describe it as similar to a bronchoscopy.
How accurate is EBUS for lung cancer staging?
EBUS has a sensitivity of over 90% for mediastinal lymph node sampling — comparable to surgical mediastinoscopy, which requires general anaesthesia and an incision.
What is the difference between EBUS and a CT-guided biopsy?
CT-guided biopsy uses a needle through the chest wall and requires the mass to be in a reachable position. EBUS samples structures next to the airways from inside — with no chest wall puncture and lower pneumothorax risk.
How long does it take to get EBUS results?
Tissue samples are sent to the pathology lab. Results typically take 5–7 working days. Dr. Kunal will contact you to discuss findings.
What should I bring to my EBUS appointment?
Bring all recent imaging (CT scan, PET scan, chest X-ray), referral letter from your oncologist or specialist, and a list of all current medications.
Referred for EBUS or lung cancer staging?
Bring your CT or PET scan. Dr. Kunal will assess whether EBUS is appropriate and schedule the procedure within the same week in most cases.