RADIAL EBUS

Radial EBUS is typically utilized to identify and obtain a sample from lung nodules or abnormal areas in the lungs. It is often used for diagnosing conditions such as lung cancer, sarcoidosis, and infections.

All Radial EBUS procedures are done under mild general anesthesia. This provides maximal patient comfort. Having a dedicated anesthetist to look after you then gives the opportunity for the bronchoscopists to fully focus on the procedure.

Radial EBUS is performed in hospitals that have the necessary bronchoscopy facilities and trained nurses and anesthetists. We have access to bronchoscopy lists at Macquarie University Hospital, Sydney Adventist Hospital and Northern beaches Hospital.

The wait times depend on the urgency of your condition and scheduling availability. It could range from a few days to 2 weeks. We have three bronchoscopists and multiple hospital access to bronchoscopy lists. Therefore we are confident we can perform your procedure within a few days.

This is a day procedure. Occasionally patients are kept overnight depending on their medical condition.
The procedure itself usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Most patients can go home the same day, though they may need to stay in the recovery area for a couple of hours for monitoring.

• Fasting for 6 hours before the procedure,
• Discontinuing certain medications that can increase bleeding risk (Your bronchoscopist will inform you of this requirement),
• Undergoing pre-procedure tests or imaging.

Common side effects may include:

• Sore throat,
• Coughing,
• Minor bleeding at the biopsy site,
• Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) is a rare but serious complication.

Most patients can return to work in the next day. If heavy physical activity is involved, it may be advisable to wait longer.

Biopsy results can take several days to a week, depending on the laboratory processing time. You will have a follow-up visit with your Respiratory specialist to discuss the results usually in 1 week’s time.