Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) examination is the prime choice in patients with unexplained mediastinal lymphadenopathy. We summarize our experience at Meir Medical Center with EBUS in the elderly (over 75 years of age) patients with lung cancer including indications, benefits and risks factors.
METHODS: The study included 20 patients over the age of 75, 13 men and 7 women. The average age was 81 ± 5 years. Indications included 11 patients with lung cancer and nine patients with mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Sixteen patients (80%] were diagnosed by the EBUS. Three patients needed a further diagnostic procedure. There was test accuracy in 18 of 20 patients (90%). Side effects included: One patient developed severe cough and another patient developed hypoxemia without the need for respiration, no bleeding was observed and there were no decreases in blood pressure. There was no arrhythmia or other complications. All patients were released on the examination day.
CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy and safety of EBUS in the elderly are similar to the conditions for the general population. There were no significant complications observed including bleeding or arrhythmias.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 481-4, 542 |
| Journal | Harefuah |
| Volume | 154 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| State | Published - 1 Aug 2015 |
