Latakia University Hospital in Latakia began using the Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) device in service today, Thursday, under the patronage of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. This initiative aims to develop medical services and enhance diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, particularly in diagnosing lung tumors and mediastinal masses, while providing diagnostic examinations using the device free of charge to patients.
For his part, the hospital's Director General, Abdul Nasser Ridwan, clarified that the device features advanced technologies and high diagnostic accuracy, contributing to improved services and reducing the burden on patients. He noted that the device enables opportunities for conducting research, master's theses, and doctoral dissertations, adding that the hospital houses approximately 45,000 patients, mostly cancer patients, particularly those with lung, bronchial, and breast cancers.
Respiratory diseases specialist Mais Yassin explained that the device aids in diagnosing central lung tumors and determining their stage, a crucial step in selecting appropriate treatment, whether chemotherapy or surgery. It is also used in diagnosing mediastinal masses and granulomatous lung diseases such as tuberculosis and sarcoidosis, and evaluating lymph node enlargement in the mediastinum.
Yassin pointed out that the device reduces the need for surgical procedures, with its diagnostic sensitivity reaching approximately 91 percent, and rising to 94 percent when combined with endoscopic ultrasound techniques, compared to approximately 78 percent for mediastinoscopy. She confirmed that she underwent intensive training for a month and a half at Ain Shams University hospitals in Egypt, emphasizing that operating the device requires collaboration among a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive results.
Source: Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA)
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