Clinical usefulness and cost-effectiveness of transbronchial needle aspiration for the diagnosis of mediastinal adenopathy

Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) of mediastinal or hilar enlarged lymph nodes is a useful and safe technique. Nevertheless, its use has not become widespread, and the necessity of a specific training to obtain good results has been reported. In order to evaluate the clinical usefulness and co...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inRevista clínica espanõla Vol. 201; no. 4; p. 169
Main Authors Fernández Villar, J A, Iglesias Río, F, Barreiro Barreiro, J M, Mosteiro Añón, M M, Vilariño Pombo, C, Torres Durán, M L, Otero Varela, J, Piñeiro Amigo, L
Format Journal Article
LanguageSpanish
Published Spain 01.04.2001
Subjects
Biopsy, Needle - economics
Bronchi
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Female
Humans
Lung Diseases - pathology
Lymphatic Diseases - pathology
Male
Mediastinoscopes
Mediastinum
Middle Aged
Prospective Studies
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Summary:Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) of mediastinal or hilar enlarged lymph nodes is a useful and safe technique. Nevertheless, its use has not become widespread, and the necessity of a specific training to obtain good results has been reported. In order to evaluate the clinical usefulness and cost-effectiveness of TBNA in inexperienced brochoscopists in this technique, a prospective study was conducted of this technique used in all patients with a chest CT with paratracheobronchial lymph nodes larger than 10 mm who had a fiberbronchoscopy ordered. TBNA was performed in 66 lymph node staging in 59 patients. In 76% of cases adequate specimens were obtaned, and a cytohistologic diagnosis was established in 59%. In 44% of patients, TBNA avoided other more invasive diagnostic procedures. Had TBNA not been performed, cost was estimated to have been at least five times higher. We conclude that TBNA could be a useful cost-effective technique in inexperienced teams.
ISSN:0014-2565