BACKGROUNDTo explore the applicable value of transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) in the bronchial submucosa.

METHODSTBNA biopsy was performed in 76 cases of pulmonary diseases, which had no endoscopically visible pathologic change. The results of TBNA were compared with that of brushing for cytological examination.

RESULTSThe correct diagnosis of the pulmonary diseases was 85.5% (65/76) for TBNA and 55.3%(42/76) for brushing cytology, and the correct diagnosis of lung cancer was 78.0%(39/50) for TBNA, 38.0% (19/50) for brushing cytology. Slight bleeding at the penestrated site was observed in 52 patients and there were no other severe complications.

CONCLUSIONSTBNA is a safe, simple and effective method in clinical application and could be used widely.