Bronchoscopy

A bronchoscope is a device used to see the inside of the airways and lungs. The scope can be flexible or rigid. A flexible scope is almost always used. It is a tube less than one half inch (1.27 centimeter) wide and about 2 feet (60 centimeters) long. In rare cases, a rigid bronchoscope is used. You will likely get…

Follow instructions on how to prepare for the test. You will likely be told: Not to eat or drink anything for 6 to 12 hours before your test. Not to take aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other blood-thinning medicines before your procedure. Ask the provider who will do your bronchoscopy if and when to stop taking…

Local anesthetic is used to relax and numb your throat muscles. Until this medicine begins to work, you may feel fluid running down the back of your throat. This may cause you to cough or gag. Once the medicine takes effect, you may feel pressure or mild tugging as the tube moves through your windpipe. Although you…

You may have a bronchoscopy to help your provider diagnose lung problems. Your provider will be able to inspect your airways or take a biopsy sample . Common reasons to do a bronchoscopy for diagnosis are: An imaging test showed abnormal changes of your lung, such as a growth or tumor, changes or scarring of lung…

Normal results mean normal cells and fluids are found. No foreign substances or blockages are seen.

Many disorders can be diagnosed with bronchoscopy, including: Infections from bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or tuberculosis. Lung damage related to allergic-type reactions . Lung disorders in which the deep lung tissues become inflamed due to the immune system response, and then damaged. For example, changes…

The main risks of bronchoscopy are: Bleeding from biopsy sites (most dangerous complication in very rare occasions) Infection There is also a small risk for: Abnormal heart rhythms Breathing difficulties Fever Heart attack, in people with existing heart disease Low blood oxygen Collapsed lung Sore throat Risks when…

Christie NA. Operative otolaryngology: bronchoscopy. In: Myers EN, Snyderman CH, eds. Operative Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery . 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 18. Kupeli E, Mehta AC. Diagnostic bronchoscopy. In: Broaddus VC, Ernst JD, King TE, et al, eds. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of…