Prerequisite and Preparation

Performing a successful endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) depends on meticulous preparation and adherence to essential prerequisites. This chapter provides a detailed guide to the preparatory steps necessary to optimize procedural outcomes and ensure patient safety. This chapter deals with preprocedural preparation of the patient and the type of anaesthetic agents and mode of anaesthesia to be administered during the procedure. This chapter enlightens the clinician about the practical steps that has to be taken before performing a successful EBUS procedure. The procedure is preferably done on an outpatient basis by a trained interventional bronchoscopist. The learning curve for a trained bronchoscopist may need at least 10 procedures to perform a proper EBUS TBNA while an untrained bronchoscopist may need 30 procedures. The procedure is carried out in a fully equipped endoscopy room or operation theatre consisting of specialized staff, presence of anaesthesiologist and life-saving equipment.