Clinical lung cancer
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Clinical lung cancer · Jan 2010
Comparative StudyInitial experience with endobronchial ultrasound in an academic thoracic surgery program.
Mediastinoscopy is considered the gold standard for evaluating mediastinal lymph nodes. However, endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration has lately offered a less invasive alternative, with the ability to obtain nodal samples under direct visualization. Recent literature found an early learning curve for this technique. We present the initial experience of 4 thoracic surgeons with the procedure. ⋯ Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration is a quickly mastered technique that offers a safe, minimally invasive, and accurate means to evaluate mediastinal lymph nodes.