Pulmonary Procedure

Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (TBNA)

Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (TBNA) is a diagnostic procedure used to obtain tissue samples from the lungs or surrounding lymph nodes via a bronchoscope, a thin tube with a camera and a needle. It’s commonly performed to diagnose lung conditions such as infections, cancer, or sarcoidosis. The procedure involves inserting the bronchoscope into the airways and using a needle to aspirate (withdraw) tissue or fluid for analysis.

Symptoms:

TBNA is typically used to diagnose conditions causing the following symptoms:

• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss
• Chest pain
• Enlarged lymph nodes or masses in the lung (detected on imaging)

Causes for TBNA:

TBNA is often recommended when imaging studies such as CT scans or X-rays reveal abnormal areas, such as:

• Enlarged lymph nodes (mediastinal lymphadenopathy)
• Suspicious lung masses or tumors
• Inflammation in the lungs (as seen in diseases like sarcoidosis)
• Suspected lung infections that need further investigation

Treatment:

The procedure itself isn’t a treatment but helps guide the treatment plan. If cancer is diagnosed, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. For infections, antibiotics or antifungal medications may be prescribed. If an inflammatory disease like sarcoidosis is found, treatment might involve corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive drugs.

After the procedure, patients may experience mild symptoms such as coughing or throat soreness. Serious complications are rare but can include bleeding, infection, or a collapsed lung (pneumothorax), requiring prompt medical attention. TBNA is an essential tool in diagnosing and planning appropriate interventions for various lung diseases.