Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a minimally invasive bronchoscopic procedure that uses real-time ultrasound to visualize and sample lymph nodes and masses near the airways — without any external incision.
EBUS-TBNA is most commonly used to diagnose the cause of enlarged lymph nodes in the chest, to stage lung cancer, to diagnose conditions like tuberculosis or sarcoidosis, and to obtain tissue for molecular/genetic testing when lung cancer is suspected or confirmed.
Mediastinoscopy is a surgical procedure performed under general anesthesia through a small incision in the neck. EBUS-TBNA achieves similar diagnostic accuracy without any incision, performed via bronchoscopy under sedation, with a shorter recovery time and fewer complications. International guidelines now recommend EBUS-TBNA as the first-line approach, with mediastinoscopy reserved for select cases.
Yes. EBUS-TBNA can both diagnose lung cancer and determine its stage (how far it has spread) in a single procedure, and can provide tissue for the molecular and genetic testing that guides modern lung cancer treatment.
Yes. Tissue obtained via EBUS-TBNA is suitable for the molecular and genetic testing (such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and PD-L1) that guides modern targeted lung cancer treatment. International guidelines recommend obtaining diagnosis, staging, and molecular testing material from the same procedure wherever possible.
To reduce this risk, extra samples are proactively taken during the procedure whenever molecular testing may be needed, rather than waiting to find out afterward that more tissue is required. In the rare case additional tissue is still needed, your pulmonologist and oncologist will discuss next steps.
Yes. It is also used to diagnose tuberculosis (including drug-resistant TB), sarcoidosis, lymphoma, and other causes of unexplained lymph node enlargement in the chest.
Yes. When tuberculosis is suspected, extra samples are proactively taken during the procedure for microbiological testing, including TB GeneXpert (a rapid molecular test) and TB culture, alongside the standard cytology and histology samples.
Your care team will give you specific instructions based on your health history. In general, you will be asked to fast for several hours beforehand and to arrange for someone to accompany you home afterward.
Certain medications, particularly blood thinners, may need to be adjusted before the procedure. Always inform your doctor of all medications you take, and follow their specific instructions rather than stopping anything on your own.
Yes. Because sedation is used, you will not be able to drive yourself home, and it's advisable to have someone with you for the rest of the day.
No. The procedure is performed under sedation, and most patients report only mild throat discomfort afterward, similar to a sore throat.
The procedure itself typically takes 20 to 30 minutes, followed by a period of observation while the sedation wears off.
Most procedures are performed under moderate sedation with local anesthesia to the throat. In some cases, general anesthesia may be used. Your care team will discuss the appropriate approach for your situation.
Under moderate sedation, most patients are relaxed and drowsy but not fully unconscious, and typically have little to no memory of the procedure afterward.
You will be monitored for a period of observation (typically a few hours) while the effects of sedation wear off, before being discharged the same day in most cases.
You will usually be advised to wait until your throat sensation fully returns to normal — typically 2 to 3 hours — before eating or drinking, to reduce the risk of choking.
Most patients can return to normal, non-strenuous activity the following day. Your care team will advise on any specific restrictions based on your case.
A mild sore throat and slight cough are common and usually resolve within a day or two. More significant side effects are uncommon.
EBUS-TBNA is well established as a safe procedure, with a low complication rate reported across international studies. Your doctor will discuss the specific risks relevant to your individual case before the procedure.
Most tissue sample results are available within 7 days. Certain specialized tests, such as tuberculosis culture or extended molecular/genetic panels, can take longer.
Pooled data across international studies shows approximately 90% sensitivity and 99% specificity for mediastinal lymph node evaluation in lung cancer. In Dr. Chhajed's own published series, EBUS-TBNA achieved 89% sensitivity and 100% specificity.
In the uncommon event that a sample is inconclusive, your doctor will discuss next steps, which may include repeating the procedure or considering an alternative diagnostic approach.
Yes. Remote phone/video consultation is available for patients and referring physicians outside Mumbai, to review the case and plan the procedure before any travel is needed.
The procedure is performed by Dr. Prashant Chhajed at Fortis Hiranandani Hospital (Vashi), Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, and Lilavati Hospital & Research Centre. All appointments and referrals are coordinated through the Head Clinic at Chhajed Lung Care & Sleep Centre, Santacruz.
Call +91 99200 95988 to coordinate an appointment, remote consultation, or referral, and our team will arrange the most convenient location and timing.
