Lymph node visualization through airway for fine needle aspiration of concerning lymph nodes is performed using which technique?

Lymph node visualization through airway for fine needle aspiration of concerning lymph nodes is performed using which technique?

• A. EBUS (endobronchial ultrasound)
• B. ENB (electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy)
• C. Mediastinoscopy
• D. VATS

Answer: (A)

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration lets you visualize lymph nodes from inside the airway and sample them with a fine needle. The ultrasound probe at the bronchoscope tip provides real-time imaging of nodes adjacent to the bronchial wall, allowing precise needle passage through the airway wall into the node to obtain tissue. This approach is minimally invasive and highly effective for mediastinal and hilar lymph node sampling, making it the preferred method for FNA in this setting. In contrast, electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy helps reach targets with navigation alone and does not provide the ultrasound guidance needed to image and biopsy nodes from the airway. Mediastinoscopy and VATS are surgical procedures requiring incisions and general anesthesia, with higher morbidity, used when less invasive sampling isn’t feasible or sufficient.

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration lets you visualize lymph nodes from inside the airway and sample them with a fine needle. The ultrasound probe at the bronchoscope tip provides real-time imaging of nodes adjacent to the bronchial wall, allowing precise needle passage through the airway wall into the node to obtain tissue. This approach is minimally invasive and highly effective for mediastinal and hilar lymph node sampling, making it the preferred method for FNA in this setting.

In contrast, electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy helps reach targets with navigation alone and does not provide the ultrasound guidance needed to image and biopsy nodes from the airway. Mediastinoscopy and VATS are surgical procedures requiring incisions and general anesthesia, with higher morbidity, used when less invasive sampling isn’t feasible or sufficient.