Factors related to diagnostic yield of transbronchial biopsy using endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath in small peripheral pulmonary lesions.

Objective: To evaluate factors predicting the diagnostic yield of transbronchial biopsy (TBB) using endobronchial ultrasonography with a guide sheath (EBUS-GS) in small peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs)

Methods: Retrospective analysis. Methods: One hundred fifty-five consecutive patients with 158 small PPLs underwent TBB using EBUS-GS.

Results: A definitive diagnosis was established by TBB using EBUS-GS in 106 PPLs (67%). The diagnostic yield of PPLs 15 mm and

Conclusions: The position of the probe (ie, within or adjacent to the PPL) is a significant factor in predicting the diagnostic yield of TBB using EBUS-GS for small PPLs; the optimum number of biopsy specimens is at least five.