Overview
Diagnosis of lung disorders begins with the study of medical history, physical examination and, chest x-ray of patients. These reports suggest what further testing may be required to determine the root cause of the problem. Additional tests like Medical Thoracoscopy & Endo-Bronchial Ultrasound are also performed to diagnose the exact cause of a lung disorder.
Medical Thoracoscopy
Medical thoracoscopy, also known as pleuroscopy is a minimal surgical procedure that involves insertion of a working instrument in combination with a viewing device into the pleural space. It enables physicians to carry out basic diagnostic and therapeutic procedures safely.
How it works?
Medical Thoracoscopy is carried out in the hospital’s operating room. Like any other surgical procedure, this invasive process entails sterile equipments for biopsy, visualization, exposure and, manipulation and is performed under general or local anesthesia which may or may not cause sedation.
It is benefited with a high-resolution video imaging system, which contains the pleuro-scope, to facilitate proper viewing of the surgical site and participation by all members of the team in the procedure. This confers maximum assistance to the dedicated operator and ensures maximum safety for the patient.
Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)
Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) is a newer technique which ensures accurate and timely diagnosis for early treatment.
EBUS makes least use of invasive tools and procedures to facilitate easy procurement of fluid or tissue samples from the lungs and lymph nodes in the chest. It is used to diagnose lung infections, cancer, and other diseases that may cause swelling of lymph nodes in the chest. EBUS is highly accurate and it greatly reduces the time lag between diagnosis and treatment.
How it works?
EBUS is a flexible bronchoscope which comes with a miniature ultrasound probe fitted with it. The patient is given a local or general anesthesia to induce sedation. Then, a small tube is introduced into the large airways via nose or mouth. The ultrasound mini-probe makes it possible to obtain a full view of the concurrent condition of the airways, lungs, blood vessels, and lymph nodes of upper chest.
After observing the concerned area in the images obtained from the mini-probe, the physician performs transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) which employs a small needle to withdraw a sample for biopsy. Various tests are performed using the collected samples for detecting infections, staging (to determine the extent of spread of cancer to adjacent areas), and diagnosing inflammatory diseases affecting the lungs.
EBUS can take 40-90 minutes depending on the number of samples of lymph node that are withdrawn. EBUS makes it possible to do rapid on-site pathologic evaluation due to its high accuracy and speed. It gives access to difficult-to-reach areas better than any other procedure for diagnosis.
Metro Centre for Respiratory Disease is running under the supervision of superior thoracic surgeons accompanied by a panel of respiratory physicians and critical care team. The hospital is fully equipped with modern operation theaters and equipments to execute thoracic surgeries as-well.