title: Evaluation of a learning system for endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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.
  
  
  RESULTS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our EBUS-TBNA learning system provided a satisfactory educational pathway for trainees and can be used to improve accessibility of EBUS-TBNA.
authors: Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chiba 260-8670, Japan. y_sakairi1@chiba-u.jp
authors: Yuichi
authors: Y
authors: Sakairi
authors: Fumie
authors: F
authors: Saegusa
authors: Shigetoshi
authors: S
authors: Yoshida
authors: Yuichi
authors: Y
authors: Takiguchi
authors: Koichiro
authors: K
authors: Tatsumi
authors: Ichiro
authors: I
authors: Yoshino
mesh_terms: D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle / Q000379:methods*; D001980:Bronchi; D003584:Cytological Techniques; D006652:Histological Techniques / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D061705:Image-Guided Biopsy / Q000379:methods*; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging / Q000379:methods; D010338:Pathology, Clinical / Q000193:education*; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000379:methods*