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Patient Recovery Guide

Your EBUS procedure, step by step
Preparation, the procedure, and going home

Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that lets Dr. Irshad examine the airways and take tissue samples from lymph nodes and masses in the chest without open surgery — commonly used to stage lung cancer, investigate enlarged lymph nodes, or diagnose conditions such as sarcoidosis. It is performed under sedation as a same-day procedure. Instructions from Dr. Irshad’s team always take precedence.

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How to prepare

3–7 days before

  • Stop blood thinners ONLY if specifically instructed by Dr. Irshad’s team. Do NOT stop without guidance.
  • Arrange a driver. You cannot drive for 24 hours after the procedure due to sedation.
  • Confirm your arrival time with the hospital.

The night before and day of procedure

  • Nothing to eat or drink after midnight (or as specifically instructed by the team).
  • Clear fluids may be permitted until 2 hours before arrival — confirm with Dr. Irshad’s office.
  • Take only medications specifically approved for the morning of the procedure.
  • Wear comfortable, loose clothing. No jewelry.
  • Expect to be at the hospital for approximately 3–4 hours including preparation and recovery.

What happens during EBUS

Arrival & preparation: you are admitted, an IV line is placed, and your vital signs are monitored. The nursing team confirms your medical history and medications.

Sedation: you receive intravenous sedation to keep you relaxed and comfortable throughout. You will not be fully unconscious but will feel drowsy and are unlikely to remember the procedure.

The procedure: the bronchoscope is passed through your mouth into the airways. Using ultrasound guidance, Dr. Irshad identifies the target lymph nodes or masses and takes fine needle biopsy samples. This typically takes 30–60 minutes.

Recovery: you are monitored for 1–2 hours while the sedation wears off. Once you are alert, able to swallow safely, and your vital signs are stable, you are discharged home.

After your procedure

Enter your procedure date to highlight roughly where you are in your recovery. This is a general guide — your team’s instructions always come first.

  • Procedure day

    • Wait until your throat feels completely normal before eating or drinking (usually 1–2 hours after discharge); start with soft foods and fluids
    • Rest for the remainder of the day
    • No driving for 24 hours after sedation, even if you feel completely alert — this is mandatory

  • First 24–48 hours

    • Mild sore throat and hoarse voice — usually resolves within 24 hours
    • Mild cough, which settles quickly
    • Feeling drowsy or tired from the sedation
    • A small amount of blood-tinged mucus when coughing is normal
    • You can resume normal activities the day after the procedure

  • Days 3–7: your results

    • Tissue samples are analysed by pathology — results typically take 5–7 business days
    • Dr. Irshad’s team will contact you and arrange a follow-up to discuss findings and next steps

Warning signs — when to seek care

Go to Emergency or call 911 if you experience:

  • Sudden, severe shortness of breath
  • Chest pain that is new or worsening
  • Fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F)
  • Signs of wound infection: redness, warmth, swelling, or pus at an incision
  • Coughing up blood
  • A swollen or painful leg (possible blood clot)

Call our clinic at (905) 458-4520 if you have:

  • Sore throat that is worsening after 48 hours rather than improving
  • Difficulty swallowing that persists beyond 24 hours
  • Questions about your results or next steps
  • Any concern about how you are feeling after the procedure

Common questions about recovery

What is an EBUS procedure?
Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS) is a minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that lets Dr. Irshad examine the airways and take tissue samples from lymph nodes and masses in the chest without open surgery, using ultrasound guidance through a bronchoscope.
How long does an EBUS procedure take?
Expect to be at the hospital for approximately 3–4 hours including preparation and recovery. After the procedure you are monitored for 1–2 hours while the sedation wears off before going home.
Will I be awake during EBUS?
You receive intravenous sedation to keep you relaxed and comfortable. You will not be fully unconscious but will feel drowsy and are unlikely to remember the procedure.
When can I drive after EBUS?
You cannot drive for 24 hours after the sedation, even if you feel completely alert — this is mandatory, so arrange a driver in advance.
When will I get my EBUS results?
Tissue samples are analysed by pathology, and results typically take 5–7 business days. Dr. Irshad’s team will contact you and arrange a follow-up to discuss the findings and next steps.
What is normal after an EBUS procedure?
A mild sore throat, hoarse voice and mild cough are common and usually resolve within 24 hours, and a small amount of blood-tinged mucus when coughing is normal. Wait until your throat feels normal before eating or drinking, rest for the day, and you can resume normal activities the day after.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Instructions given to you by Dr. Irshad’s team always take precedence. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Department immediately. Published in compliance with the CPSO Advertising Standards Policy.

Questions about your recovery?

Dr. Kashif Irshad — Division of Thoracic Surgery, William Osler Health System, Brampton Civic Hospital. Tel: (905) 458-4520 · Fax: (905) 458-4080 · thoracic@williamoslerhs.ca

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