Application of real-time endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration for lung cancer staging

Linear endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is a recently introduced technique which allows needle aspiration under real-time ultrasound visualization of the node. Although it has been demonstrated as a useful tool in mediastinal staging of lung cancer, it is not used in most institutes worldwide. Our aim with this report is to share our experience using EBUS-TBNA and to make a short review of the literature. We performed a short review on the existing literature on this technique, paying special attention to our experience in this field. EBUS-TBNA has shown to be useful and safe in detecting metastatic mediastinal and/or hilar lymph nodes in patients with lung cancer. It is also useful as a diagnostic tool in other pathological conditions.