Endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial biopsy with guide-sheath for the diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules.

The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial biopsy with guide-sheath (EBUS-GS-TBB) for the diagnosis of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs). One hundred and eighty patients, who were diagnosed with SPNs and underwent an endobronchial ultrasound procedure. The diagnostic yield, safety and the associated factors were analyzed. Mean EBUS-GS procedure time was 14 +/- 8 min. The average number of biopsy specimens obtained in each SPNs was 5 +/- 1.2. One hundred and thirty-four SPNs were diagnosed by EBUS-GS-TBB and the diagnostic rate was 74.4 %. The diagnosis rate of malignancy was 83.3 %, while that of benign disease was 56.7 %. The most important factors that helped enhance EBUS-GS diagnostic accuracy included lesion diameter greater than 20mm, EBUS probe within the lesions and central lesions. No pneumothorax, hemoptysis or other serious complications occurred with the diagnostic procedures. EBUS-GS-TBB is a safe and effective method for diagnosing SPNs.