Evaluation of a learning system for endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration

Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is an established modality for nodal staging in lung cancer; nevertheless, acquisition on effective fiberscope handling and puncture techniques remains challenging. Here, we present a novel EBUS-TBNA learning system protocol and evaluate the ability of physicians trained using this protocol to perform cytological diagnosis and histological sampling.

We designed a 5-step learning system as follows: (1) preparation, (2) probe insertion, (3) sonographic observation, (4) TBNA assistant, and (5) TBNA operator. Each trainee must accomplish the first 4 steps before beginning step 5. In step 5, EBUS-TBNA was performed in tandem by the trainee and supervisor. Diagnostic accuracy and success of histological sampling were recorded for each trial; results of the corresponding supervisor served as a control.

All 11 trainees entered step 5 after completing steps 1-4 over 5-10 trials. A total of 308 nodes were punctured in step 5. The overall accuracy of cytological diagnosis was 91.2% among trainees, and the histological sampling success rate was 85.4%. The diagnostic accuracy increased from 85.4% to 93.9% (p = 0.027) after 12 needle aspiration experiences. The sizes of nodes associated with success and failure were 13.6 and 11.1mm (p = 0.001), respectively.

Our EBUS-TBNA learning system provided a satisfactory educational pathway for trainees and can be used to improve accessibility of EBUS-TBNA.