Endobronchial ultrasound for the diagnosis and treatment of mediastinal lesions

Abstract: Bronchoscopy with convex probe ultrasound in combination with transbronchial fine-needle aspiration biopsy is a relatively new, minimally invasive method that can also be used in an outpatient setting. It is indicated for staging of the mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes in patients with lung cancer, for the diagnosis of lung and mediastinal tumors, for the diagnosis of mediastinal lymphadenopaty and for the diagnosis and aspiration of mediastinal cysts. The method has a high diagnostic accuracy, which makes it comparable to more invasive diagnostic methods. At the same time it is less invasive for patients and offers a better safety profile.