Diagnostic yield of conventional transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy (C-TBNA) without an on-site cytopathologist: Experience of 363 procedures in 219 patients

Introduction: Conventional transbronchial needle aspiration biopsy (C-TBNA) is a technique in evaluating mediastinal/hilar lymph nodes (LN). We aimed to investigate diagnostic yield (DY) and safety of C-TBNAs performed in a single university clinic. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 363 consecutive C-TBNA procedures in 219 patients. The DY and its relationship with location, shortest diameter, SUVmax of LN, and number of sampled stations were evaluated. Results: Procedures were diagnostic in 257 (71%) LNs. The most common diagnoses were malignancy (n= 109.30%) and granulomatous inflammation (n= 68, 18.7%).The ratio of patients with at least one diagnostic cytology result was 77% (n= 168). DY was significantly increased with the increased number of sampled LNs (p= 0.033) and larger LN diameter (p< 0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values were 83.3%, 43.2%, 79.6%, and 49.3% respectively for cut-off LN diameter of 11.5 mm. There was nearly a significant relationship between DY and SUVmax (p= 0.05, cut-off= 4.8). The highest DY was in subcarinal LN (77.4%). No major complications were recorded. Conclusion: The DY of C-TBNA was 71%. The ratio of the patients with at least one diagnostic cytology result was 77%. The most common diagnoses were malignancy and granulomatous inflammation. The DY of C-TBNA was increased with the increased number of sampled LNs, larger LN diameter, and increased SUVmax. C-TBNA is a safe procedure.