This information leaflet is to help you understand what to expect from having an EBUS. Please do ask your doctors and specialist nurses if you have any further questions.
What is an endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)?
An EBUS is a day case procedure in Endoscopy which inspects the airways and lymph glands in your lungs. It uses a flexible camera with an ultrasound tip, which enables the doctor to take samples of your lymph glands and/or lung tissue.
How do I need to prepare for the test?
Do not have anything to eat or drink for 4 hours before the test. Your doctor and specialist nurses will advise you if you need to stop any medications before the test. As the test requires you to have sedation, you will need a responsible adult to collect you from the hospital after the test and stay with you at home overnight following an EBUS.
What will happen during the test?
Local anaesthetic will be sprayed at the back of your throat and then you will be given sedative medications by injection to make the test as comfortable as possible for you. Once you have received adequate sedation, the trolley will be lowered flat so the EBUS can begin. The procedure will take on average between 30-40 minutes. To maintain comfort during the procedure, the doctors will use the camera to spray local anaesthetic to your airways and can also give more sedation injections if necessary.
What will happen after the test?
You will be monitored in recovery for up to 2 hours until your nurse is sure that it is safe for you to leave the hospital. You will be advised not to eat or drink for 2 hours after the test which gives enough time for the local anaesthetic in your throat to wear off. Because you will have received sedative injections, we advise you not to drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol or make important decisions (e.g., signing important legal documents) for 24 hours after this test.
Are there any risks with the test?
EBUS is a safe test. You will mainly notice a cough during the procedure and any bleeding that occurs from taking samples is usually minor and easily managed. Any life threatening complications (including death) with EBUS are extremely rare, and are estimated to occur at a frequency of less than 1 in 3000.
When will I get the test results?
After an EBUS, we would normally arrange for you to come back to the lung clinic the following week for the results, which gives enough time for your samples to be accurately analysed in the lab.
Contact details
If you have any further questions about your test, you can contact
