An Algorithmic Approach for Assessment of Mediastinal Lesions Using Conventional Transbronchial Needle Aspiration and Endoscopic Ultrasonography in a Single Procedure

Background. In the era of endobronchial/esophageal ultrasound (EBUS-TBNA/EUS-FNA), many centers forgo conventional transbronchial needle aspiration (C-TBNA) in favour of EBUS-TBNA/EUS-FNA despite no conclusive evidence showing better yields with EBUS-TBNA/EUS-FNA. Objectives. Assess the feasibility of an algorithmic approach for mediastinal sampling beginningwith C-TBNAutilizing rapid onsite cytologic evaluation. Methods.Descriptive analysis of 92 consecutive patients referred for adenopathy that underwent C-TBNA and subsequent EBUS-TBNA/EUS-FNA if C-TBNA was negative or nondiagnostic. Results. 92 procedures were analyzed. In 50 (54.3%) of cases, C-TBNA alone was sufficient. EBUS-TBNA was performed after C-TBNA in 27 (29.3%) of cases and EUS-FNA in 33 (35.9%) of cases. The yield was 92.9% for C-TBNA, 92.5% for EBUS-TBNA, and 89.7% for EUS-FNA. There were no statistically significant differences in yields by LN station (𝑃 = 0.51), the relationship between yield and LN size (𝑃 = 0.37), or time difference in procedures following the algorithm compared to EBUS/EUS only procedures (33.7 minutes versus 32.4 minutes on average [95% CI for difference: −9.1 to 11.7], 𝑃 = 0.80). Conclusions. An algorithmic approach to assess the mediastinum using C-TBNA initially is feasible without sacrificing yield or procedure times. C-TBNA was sufficient for diagnosis in 54.3% of cases and can be efficiently taught in an IP training program.