Myths and Legends

Abstract

Transbronchial needle sampling during bronchoscopy is a commonly performed procedure that can assist during diagnosis and staging of lung cancer. Typically, suction is applied during transbronchial needle aspiration but a number of studies have examined the role of transbronchial needle capillary sampling in which no suction is applied. We review the available literature to evaluate the myth that suction is always necessary and that it yields a better sample.