This document provides information on several minimally invasive diagnostic and surgical procedures for the lungs:
- Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) enables doctors to obtain tissue samples from the lungs and lymph nodes without surgery. It provides real-time imaging and can eliminate the need for invasive mediastinoscopy.
- Rigid bronchoscopy and electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB) are used to biopsy small or hard to reach lung lesions.
- Thoracentesis and pleural biopsy remove fluid or air from the pleural cavity surrounding the lungs to diagnose diseases. Chest tubes with pleurodesis drain fluid and prevent reaccumulation.
- Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS