South African Thoracic Society consensus statement on transbronchial lung cryobiopsy for interstitial lung disease
Although TBLC yields marginally lower diagnostic rates compared with SLB, it remains a cost-effective and safer alternative, particularly in resource-limited settings. The South African Thoracic Society strongly advocates for TBLC as the first-line diagnostic modality in all cases of ILD, where histology is required, provided there are no contraindications. This recommendation is based on the lower cost and morbidity associated with TBLC compared with SLB. An exception is made for patients with non-diffuse or non-peribronchiolar disease who are suitable candidates for SLB and where the procedure is readily available. Strengthening local capacity and expertise in TBLC is crucial for improving ILD diagnostic accuracy in South Africa.
Authors
- Aliasgar Esmail (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1835-9252)
- Coenraad F.N. Koegelenberg (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5563-8429)
- Ross Hofmeyr (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9990-7459)
- Pierre Goussard (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1146-1307)
- Brian Allwood (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0421-2978)
- Keertan Dheda (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7709-5341)
- Usha Lalla (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4395-5152)
- Nevadna Singh (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8181-7062)
- A. Sarah Graham (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5919-9742)
Institutions
- University of Cape Town (ZA)
- Stellenbosch University (ZA)
- Groote Schuur Hospital (ZA)
- Tygerberg Hospital (ZA)
- Helen Joseph Hospital (ZA)
Publication Details
- Journal
- African Journal of Thoracic and Critical Care Medicine
- Published
- 2025-09-04
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.7196/ajtccm.2025.v31i3.3748
- Primary Topic
- Interstitial Lung Diseases and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00