Abstract
Background
At our institution, we generally conduct an ultrathin (UT) (diameter 2.8 mm) bronchoscopy examination followed by a thin (diameter 4.0 mm) bronchoscopy examination using the EBUS-GS method, both with the assistance of virtual bronchoscopic navigation (VBN).
Methods
From May 1, 2011, to December 31, 2012, we examined 53 cases with an abnormal lung shadow less than 30 mm in diameter with UT bronchoscopy using VBN, followed by thin bronchoscopy with the EBUS-GS method and VBN.
Results
With assistance from VBN, we diagnosed 33 cases (62.3%) using UT bronchoscopy and 33 cases (62.3%) by thin bronchoscopy with EBUS-GS. Cases with a positive diagnosis were increased to 37 (69.8%) by the use of both. When limited to cancer cases, 32 (72.7%) were found positive using UT bronchoscopy and 32 (72.7%) were positive using thin bronchoscopy with EBUS-GS. The diagnosis rate was elevated to 81.8% (n=36) by use of both methods.
Conclusion
With the assistance of VBN, the diagnosis rates of UT bronchoscopy and thin bronchoscopy with EBUS-GS were not largely different. However, when both were utilized, the rate increased by 9.1% for cancer and 7.5% for all cases.
- © 2013 ERS