Hybrid Technique of Radial Endobronchial Ultrasound Combined with Lung Cryobiopsy in the Diagnosis of Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions

Abstract

Introduction: The diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) may be challenging as they are bronchoscopically invisible. Radial endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is useful for accessing PPL, with the help of transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) and cryoprobe. Although PPL can also be accessed with the help of transthoracic ultrasound or computerized tomography (CT)—guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA), there is a significant risk of pneumothorax. Patients and methods: This was a retrospective observational study. Patients with PPL on CT thorax were subjected to bronchoscopy. Radial EBUS (R-EBUS) via flexible bronchoscope with fluoroscope was used to determine the site and cryobiopsy was taken. Bleeding was controlled by an endobronchial balloon placed through a rigid bronchoscope as a conduit. Results: A total of 40 patients underwent R-EBUS with fluoroscopy-guided cryobiopsy. Histopathological diagnosis was achieved in 34 (85%) cases. Out of total 40 cases, 10 were diagnosed as adenocarcinoma, 9 as squamous cell carcinoma, and 4 as bronchitis and so on. No complication was seen in 12 cases, and 1 patient required hospitalization for observation. Conclusions: R-EBUS-guided cryobiopsy in the diagnosis of PPLs is a safe procedure with good diagnostic yield.