Basic Bronchoscopy Competence Achieved by a Nationwide One-day Simulation-based Training.

Background: In 2020, a mandatory, nationwide 1-day bronchoscopy simulation-based training (SBT) course was implemented for novice pulmonology residents in the Netherlands. This pretest-posttest study was the first to evaluate the effectiveness of such a nationwide course in improving residents' simulated basic bronchoscopy skills.

Methods: After passing a theoretical test, residents followed a 1-day SBT course, available in 7 centers, where they practiced their bronchoscopy skills step-by-step on a virtual reality simulator under pulmonologist supervision.

EUS-B-FNA vs conventional EUS-FNA for left adrenal gland analysis in lung cancer patients.

Introduction: In patients with lung cancer, left adrenal glands (LAG) suspected for distant metastases (M1b) based on imaging require further evaluation for a definitive diagnosis. Tissue acquisition is regularly performed using conventional EUS-FNA. The aim of this study was to investigate the success rate of endoscopic ultrasound guided fine-needle aspiration using the EBUS scope (EUS-B-FNA) for LAG analysis.

Left Adrenal Gland Analysis in Lung Cancer Patients Using the Endobronchial Ultrasound Scope: A Feasibility Trial.

Background: In lung cancer patients, the adrenal glands are predilection sites for distant metastases. Esophageal endoscopic ultrasound - fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is a minimally invasive and accurate method for left adrenal gland (LAG) analysis but requires a conventional gastrointestinal echoendoscope. Complete endobronchial and esophageal mediastinal nodal staging can be achieved by just a single endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) scope, introducing it into the esophagus (EUS-B) following the endobronchial procedure.