What Is a Bronchoscopy?
Bronchoscopy (bron-KOS-ko-pee) is a procedure used to look inside the lungs' airways, called the bronchi and bronchioles. The airways carry air from the trachea (TRA-ke-ah), or windpipe, to the lungs.
What is the doctor going to do?
During the procedure, your doctor passes a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope through your nose (or sometimes your mouth), down your throat, and into your airways. If you have a breathing tube, the bronchoscope can be passed through the tube to your airways.
The bronchoscope has a light and small camera that allows your doctor to see your windpipe and airways and take pictures.
Will I be awake during this test?
You’ll be given medicine to make you relaxed and sleepy during the procedure. In most cases, patients are drowsy but awake. Most patients do not even remember the procedure. The doctor may start an IV to give you medicine to relax you further. In any case, the doctor will do everything possible to minimize discomfort.
Why is the doctor performing this procedure?
Bronchoscopy usually is done to find the cause of a lung problem. Your doctor may take samples of mucus or tissue from your lungs during the procedure to test in a lab. Bronchoscopy may show a tumor, signs of an infection, excess mucus in the airways, the site of bleeding, or something blocking the airway, like a piece of food. Sometimes bronchoscopy is used to treat lung problems. It may be done to insert a stent in an airway. An airway stent is a small tube that holds the airway open. It's used when a tumor or other condition blocks an airway.
Does this procedure hurt?
Bronchoscopy usually is a safe procedure. You may be hoarse and have a sore throat after the procedure or experience some coughing, but the medication you will be given will help you to remain comfortable.
What happens after the test?
Since you will be drowsy, you will be allowed to awaken before being released. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU HAVE SOMEONE WITH YOU TO DRIVE YOU HOME. You should be able to resume normal activities by the next day.
When will I know the results?
It usually takes 2-3 days for the laboratory to have the results back to the doctor. Once the doctor receives the results, you will be contacted by the doctor or his medical staff. If there is any need for follow up testing you will be notified at that time.
Are there any special instructions before the test?
Do not eat or drink 8 hours before the procedure is ordered. You may have small amounts of water to take your medications. You will need to report to Out Patients Admissions an hour before the procedure unless otherwise instructed.
A rare, but more serious risk is a pneumothorax (noo-mo-THOR-aks), or collapsed lung. In this condition, air collects in the space around the lungs, which causes one or both lungs to collapse. Usually, this problem is easily treated.
