[The role of transbronchial needle aspiration in the staging of bronchogenic carcinoma].

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: To explore the role of transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) in the staging of bronchogenic carcinoma. METHODS: To 42 cases of primary bronchogenic carcinoma with suspected lymph node metastasis by X-ray and CT scan of chest, the TBNA was performed before operation. The cytological results and c-TNM by TBNA were compared with the pathological ones and p-TNM after operation. RESULTS: The diagnosis of 10 cases with N2 metastasis was completely corresponding by TBNA and pathological examination after operation. Nineteen out of 22 cases with N1 metastasis were confirmed by TBNA, and the false negative results ocurred in 3 cases. The results of TBNA in lymph nodes' size from 2 to 3 cm was completely accordant with pathological ones after operation. For 1 to 2 cm lymphnodes, the accurate rate of TBNA was 88.5% (23/26). The overall accurate rate of c-TNM by TBNA was 85.7% (36/42) compared with p-TNM. A small amount of hemoptysis ocurred in 3 cases, no pneumothorax and other serious complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The TBNA for staging of bronchogenic carcinoma is a simple and economic method with high correct rate and high clinical applicable value.