Transtracheobronchial Ultrasonographic Endoscopy : A New Approach to the Diagnosis of Bronchial Wall Invasion and Lymphadenopathy Caused by Lung Cancer

Abstract

Evaluation of bronchial wall invasion and mediastinal lymph node metastasis of lung cancer was affected using Tracheobronchial ultrasonography with an Olympus EU-M20 and UM-2R (12MHz) or UM-3R (20MHz). Peribronchial lymph nodes and bronchial walls of resected lobes were examined ultrasonographically. Hilar and mediastial lymph nodes were detected clearly, especially with the UM-3R (20MHz). The layered structure of the bronchial wall was observed in clinical cases and bronchial cartilage was detectable.