Before
Fasting from midnight, a review of your scans, blood counts and clotting, and a short consent discussion.
Patient guide
The EBUS procedure, explained.
Endobronchial ultrasound lets us sample lymph nodes and masses next to the airway without surgery — the most accurate first step in diagnosing and staging lung cancer.
Dr. Arun Gangadhar pioneered the radial EBUS programme at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, Coimbatore, and performed the first linear and radial EBUS-guided sampling in Thrissur district. Both linear EBUS (for lymph nodes and central masses) and radial EBUS (for peripheral lung nodules) are available here.
For most patients this replaces a surgical mediastinoscopy: same diagnostic accuracy, no incision, day-care discharge, and a faster route to treatment.
What to expect
Your day, step by step
During
Sedation, then the bronchoscope passes through the mouth. Ultrasound locates the node and a fine needle samples it — usually several passes.
After
An hour or two of observation, a light meal, and discharge the same day. Mild throat soreness for a day is normal.
Results
A preliminary read on the day, full report in two to five days, then a plan discussed in your follow-up visit.
Questions
Frequently asked
What is an EBUS procedure?
EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound) is a bronchoscopy in which a small ultrasound probe on the tip of the scope lets the doctor see lymph nodes and masses beside the airway, then take a needle sample from them under live ultrasound guidance — without any surgical cut.
Why would I need EBUS?
It is most often advised when a CT scan shows enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes or a mass near the airway, to confirm or rule out lung cancer, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis or lymphoma, and to stage lung cancer accurately before treatment.
How should I prepare?
Come fasting for about six hours, bring all previous scans and reports, and tell the team about blood thinners, diabetes medicines and allergies. Arrange for someone to accompany you home.
Is EBUS painful, and how long does it take?
The procedure is done under sedation or short anaesthesia, so you do not feel pain. It usually takes 30–45 minutes, and most patients go home the same day.
How soon are results available?
Rapid on-site evaluation can give a preliminary answer during the procedure; the full pathology and microbiology report is usually ready in two to five days.
Have a scan that needs an answer?
Bring your CT and reports for a second opinion. You will leave knowing whether a procedure is needed, and what it involves.