[Endobronchial ultrasonography--when needed?].

Endobronchial ultrasonography (EBUS) and associated needle biopsy is a mini-invasive means to study mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes and tumors. Guidance by real-time ultrasound image allows the biopsy of even small targets with high accuracy. The investigation is well tolerated, highly specific and its main indication is the staging of lung cancer. The method is also suitable for primary diagnosis of mediastinal lymphadenopathy of unknown origin or central tumors.