EBUS (Endobronchial Ultrasound)

Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a minimally invasive procedure that combines bronchoscopy with ultrasound to examine the lungs and surrounding lymph nodes. It is most often used to diagnose or stage lung cancer, evaluate unexplained lung nodules, or detect infections and inflammatory diseases.

• Do not eat or drink for at least 6 hours before the procedure.
• Review your medications with your doctor, especially blood thinners, which may need to be paused.
• Arrange for someone to take you home, as sedation is usually given.

You will receive sedation or general anesthesia. A bronchoscope with an ultrasound probe is inserted through the mouth into the airway. The ultrasound helps guide fine-needle aspiration of lymph nodes or masses. The test usually lasts 30–60 minutes.

• Mild sore throat or cough afterward.
• Bleeding or infection from biopsy.
• Rare complications include collapsed lung (pneumothorax) or reaction to anesthesia.

Preliminary results may be available immediately, but biopsy analysis can take several days. Your provider will review findings and discuss next steps such as cancer staging, treatment planning, or additional tests.