Transbronchial fine needle aspiration (TBNA)

TBNA is a procedure which is often used to diagnose and stage lung cancer or atypical infections such as tuberculosis. The procedure is done under general anaesthetic but does not require overnight admission. During the procedure, a needle is passed through a flexible catheter with the use of a bronchoscope, into the lesion.

This is done under ultrasound guidance (located in the tip of the bronchoscope) making this a safe and efficient method of biopsy. The aspiration of cells then evaluated by an on-site pathologist provides a minimally invasive diagnostic technique. The alternative would be a surgical procedure and an extended hospital admission.