title: Teaching conventional transbronchial needle aspiration. A continuum.
abstract: Proponents of the endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) propose that in this era of EBUS-TBNA, training for conventional transbronchial needle aspiration (C-TBNA) should be abandoned. The authors of this editorial provide the opposing view. C-TBNA has a short and a steep learning curve and adds to the diagnostic yield of flexible bronchoscopy in a cost-effective fashion. Considering its simplicity, availability, affordability, safety, and several unique indications, C-TBNA continues to contribute to the welfare of patients worldwide. It should remain as an integral part of pulmonary fellowship training programs.
authors.affiliation: 1 Lerner College of Medicine, Respiratory Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; and.
authors.forename: Atul C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Mehta
authors.forename: Ko-Pen
authors.initials: KP
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D001999:Bronchoscopy / Q000191:economics / Q000193:education*; D002283:Carcinoma, Bronchogenic / Q000473:pathology*; D061765:Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology*; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000473:pathology; D008479:Mediastinal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D008481:Mediastinoscopy; D017565:Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / Q000473:pathology