The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place NW8 9LE London
Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
A minimally invasive test to help diagnose conditions of the airways by taking tissue samples from the lungs and lymph nodes.
What is an EBUS?
An endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is used to take tissue samples from the lungs or the lymph nodes in the chest.
It may be used to check for lung cancer, other cancers that are suspected of spreading to the lymph nodes, lymphoma and other non-cancerous conditions such as sarcoidosis or tuberculosis.
Need to know
You'll be given a local anaesthetic to make your throat thumb and a sedative to help you relax during the procedure. You'll be awake during the procedure. The whole procedure usually takes about 30 minutes to one hour.
Your consultant will let you know how to prepare before your procedure. You may need to avoid eating and drinking for a period of time beforehand. Make sure you tell your consultant about any medication you're taking.
You may need to be cared for in hospital for a couple of hours after the procedure while the sedative wears off. You can go home the same day. You'll feel drowsy so will need someone to help you get home afterwards as you won't be able to drive.
Our Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) locations
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.