Fall 2023 9 What are the benefits? Dr. Helberg says the benefits of EBUS compared with conventional surgery are many. EBUS allows physicians to perform a technique known as transbronchial needle aspiration, or TBNA, to obtain tissue or fluid samples from the lungs and surrounding lymph nodes without invasive surgery. The samples are then used for diagnosing and staging lung cancer, detecting infections, and identifying inflammatory diseases that affect the lungs. These include sarcoidosis and cancers like lymphoma. EBUS is much less invasive than the conventional diagnostic procedure, a surgery known as mediastinoscopy. During an EBUS, no incisions are necessary, as the physician can perform needle aspiration on lymph nodes using a bronchoscope inserted through the mouth. Plus, with EBUS, Dr. Helberg can easily view difficult-to-reach areas and access more, and smaller, lymph nodes for biopsy with the aspiration needle. With real-time imaging, he can view the surface of the airways, blood vessels, lungs and lymph nodes, resulting in a quick turnaround—preliminary test results can be made available the same day. For many patients, having EBUS available in Yankton is a lifesaver. They do not need to travel and have the procedure with a physician who is not familiar with their medical history. They can have the procedure much sooner and get results faster, leading to less stress in what is often an already stressful time. “Anytime we can help patients simplify their medical journey and not add to their stress, it is adding something positive to their health, and that’s what is most important,” Dr. Helberg says. “We cannot overlook the value and impact having EBUS available in our area adds to our patient care.” Dr. Helberg performs EBUS at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton. “Adding EBUS was an important step in providing complete pulmonary services in our area,” he says. “At Yankton Medical Clinic, Dr. Lori Hansen, Dr. Michael Pietila and I offer full pulmonary function testing, imaging and sleep medicine services. In addition, our pulmonologists are able to see new referrals within two to five days.” Reach out If you’re interested in EBUS or would like to know more about Yankton Medical Clinic’s pulmonologists, Scott Helberg, MD; Lori Hansen, MD; and Michael Pietila, MD, please call 605-665-1082.
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