Complications with Endobronchial Ultrasound with a Guide Sheath for the Diagnosis of Peripheral Pulmonary Lesions

Abstract

Background: Diagnostic bronchoscopy has been considered as a safe and effective procedure. Endobronchial ultrasound with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS) for the diagnosis of peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) is becoming a common procedure, but reports about its safety are missing. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety profile of EBUS-GS for the diagnosis of PPLs. Methods: All patients with PPLs who underwent EBUS-GS between September 2012 and August 2014 at the National Cancer Center Hospital were included. Postprocedural complications and the durability of devices were retrospectively reviewed. Results: During the study period, EBUS-GS procedures were performed for 965 PPLs. The overall complication rate was 1.3% (13/965): 0.8% (8/965) for pneumothorax and 0.5% (5/965) for pulmonary infection. There was no significant hemorrhage, air embolism, tumor seeding or procedure-related death, and there was no breakage of the guide sheath. Only four radial probes were broken during the study period without any adverse reactions. Conclusions: EBUS-GS is a tolerable procedure, and the devices are durable.