Notice
Road and parking lot construction in Madison, Wis. may result in travel delays and route changes to UW Health clinic and hospital locations. Please plan accordingly.Read more
What is a laryngoscopy or bronchoscopy?
A laryngoscopy or bronchoscopy is an exam of the inside of the throat or air passage that lead to the lungs. A viewing tube (scope) with a light on the end is passed through the mouth and down the throat. A biopsy may be taken, or tissue may be removed from the throat or airway.
What to Expect
It is normal to cough up a small amount of blood. This is from the “scope” irritating the airway.
Give acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen for pain relief or fever if needed. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Your child can take part in his normal routine once he feels better.
Your child may feel sick to his stomach from the anesthesia. Start with clear liquids and advance to solid food as his stomach can handle it. If your child has nausea or vomiting, start over with clear liquids.
Keep your child away from second-hand smoke since this makes it hard to breathe.
Your child may have a hoarse voice. This should improve slowly and be back to normal in a few days.
When to Call
If your child has:
Rapid breathing, hard time breathing or extra-noisy breathing, take him to the nearest emergency room and call your doctor.
Any bleeding after the day of surgery.
Nausea or vomiting that lasts for more than 24 hours.
A fever over 102° F (when taken by mouth).
Pain not controlled by Tylenol® or ibuprofen.
Painful to swallow for more than 24 hours.
Who to Call
Pediatric Otolaryngology (ENT) Clinic
(608) 265-7760 weekdays from 8:30 am to
4:30 pm.
After clinic hours, weekends or holidays, call (608) 262-0486. Ask for the ENT doctor on call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will return your call. If outside of Madison, call toll-free at: 1-800-323-8942.
If you are a patient receiving care at UnityPoint – Meriter, Swedish American or a health system outside of UW Health, please use the phone numbers provided in your discharge instructions for any questions or concerns.
