BACKGROUNDTo explore the role of transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) in the staging of bronchogenic carcinoma.

METHODSTo 42 cases of primary bronchogenic carcinoma with suspected lymph node metastasis by X-ray and CT scan of chest, the TBNA was performed before operation. The cytological results and c-TNM by TBNA were compared with the pathological ones and p-TNM after operation.

RESULTSThe diagnosis of 10 cases with N₂ metastasis was completely corresponding by TBNA and pathological examination after operation. Nineteen out of 22 cases with N₁ metastasis were confirmed by TBNA, and the false negative results ocurred in 3 cases. The results of TBNA in lymph nodes' size from 2 to 3 cm was completely accordant with pathological ones after operation. For 1 to 2 cm lymphnodes, the accurate rate of TBNA was 88.5% (23/26). The overall accurate rate of c-TNM by TBNA was 85.7% (36/42) compared with p-TNM. A small amount of hemoptysis ocurred in 3 cases, no pneumothorax and other serious complications were observed.

CONCLUSIONSThe TBNA for staging of bronchogenic carcinoma is a simple and economic method with high correct rate and high clinical applicable value.