Test Overview
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look at your airway through a thin viewing device called a bronchoscope. During a bronchoscopy, Opens dialog, your doctor will examine your throat, larynx, Opens dialog, trachea, Opens dialog, and lower airways.
This procedure may be done to diagnose problems with the airway, the lungs, or the lymph nodes, Opens dialog in the chest. It may also be done to treat problems such as an object or growth in the airway.
There are two types of bronchoscopy.
- Flexible bronchoscopy.
It uses a long, thin, lighted tube to look at your airway. The flexible bronchoscope is used more often than the rigid bronchoscope. That's because it usually does not require general anesthesia, Opens dialog, is more comfortable for the person, and offers a better view of the smaller airways. It also allows the doctor to remove small samples of tissue (biopsy, Opens dialog).
- Rigid bronchoscopy.
It's usually done with general anesthesia and uses a straight, hollow metal tube. It is used:
- When there is bleeding in the airway that could block the flexible scope's view.
- To remove large tissue samples for biopsy.
- To clear the airway of objects (such as a piece of food) that can't be removed with a flexible bronchoscope.
Special procedures, such as widening (dilating) the airway or destroying a growth using a laser, Opens dialog, are usually done with a rigid bronchoscope.
You may be asked to remove dentures, eyeglasses or contact lenses, hearing aids, wigs, makeup, and jewelry before the bronchoscopy procedure. You will empty your bladder before the procedure. You will need to take off all or most of your clothes (you may be allowed to keep on your underwear if it does not interfere with the procedure). You will be given a cloth or paper covering to use during the procedure.
The procedure is done by a thoracic surgeon or a pulmonologist, Opens dialog and an assistant. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen level will be checked during the procedure.
A chest X-ray may be done before and after the bronchoscopy.
Flexible bronchoscopy
During this procedure, you will lie on your back on a table with your shoulders and neck supported by a pillow, or you will recline in a chair that resembles a dentist's chair. Sometimes the procedure is done while you are sitting upright.
You will be given a sedative, Opens dialog to help you relax. You may have an intravenous line (IV), Opens dialog placed in a vein. You will remain awake but sleepy during the procedure.
Before the procedure, your doctor usually sprays a local anesthetic, Opens dialog into your nose and mouth. This numbs your throat and reduces your gag reflex during the procedure. If the bronchoscope is to be inserted through your nose, your doctor may also place an anesthetic ointment in your nose to numb your nasal passages.
Your doctor gently and slowly inserts the thin bronchoscope through your mouth (or nose) and advances it to the vocal cords. Then more anesthetic is sprayed through the bronchoscope to numb the vocal cords. You may be asked to take a deep breath so the scope can pass your vocal cords. It is important to avoid trying to talk while the bronchoscope is in your airway.
An X-ray machine (fluoroscope, Opens dialog) may be placed above you to provide a picture that helps your doctor see any devices, such as forceps, Opens dialog to collect a biopsy sample, that are being moved into your lung. The bronchoscope is then moved down your larger breathing tubes (bronchi) to examine the lower airways.
If your doctor collects sputum or tissue samples for biopsy, a tiny biopsy tool or brush will be used through the scope. A salt (saline) fluid may be used to wash your airway, then the samples are collected and sent to the lab to be studied.
Finally, small biopsy forceps may be used to remove a sample of lung tissue. This is called a transbronchial biopsy.
Rigid bronchoscopy
This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia, Opens dialog. You will lie on your back on a table with your shoulders and neck supported by a pillow.
You will be given a sedative to help you relax. You will have an intravenous line (I.V.) placed in a vein. Once you are asleep, your head will be carefully positioned with your neck extended. A tube (endotracheal) will be placed in your windpipe (trachea) and a machine will help you breathe. Your doctor then slowly and gently inserts the bronchoscope through your mouth and into your windpipe.
If your doctor collects sputum or tissue samples for biopsy, a tiny biopsy tool or a brush will be inserted through the scope. A salt (saline) fluid may be used to wash your airway, then the samples are collected and sent to the lab for biopsy.
Recovery after bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy by either procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. You will be in recovery for 1 to 3 hours after the procedure. Following the procedure:
- Do not eat or drink anything for 1 to 2 hours, until you are able to swallow without choking. After that, you may resume your normal diet, starting with sips of water.
- Spit out your saliva until you are able to swallow without choking.
- Ask your doctor when you can drive again.
- Do not smoke for at least 24 hours.
How long the test takes
A bronchoscopy (either flexible or rigid) usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes. You will be in recovery for 1 to 3 hours after the procedure.
If you have general anesthesia, you will feel nothing during the procedure. Oxygen is usually given through a small tube placed in your nose if you are awake during the procedure.
You may be able to feel pressure in your airway as the bronchoscope is moved from place to place. You may gag or cough. Your airway will not be blocked. But if you feel discomfort, let your doctor know.
Bronchoscopy is generally a safe procedure. Complications are rare. But your doctor will discuss any risks with you. Complications that may occur include:
- Spasms of the bronchial tubes, which can impair breathing.
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
- Infections, such as pneumonia, Opens dialog. These can usually can be treated with antibiotics.
- Ongoing hoarseness.
If a biopsy was done during bronchoscopy, complications that may occur include:
- A tear in the lung from the biopsy forceps used to collect a tissue sample. This will allow air to flow into the pleural space and cause a partial collapse of the lung (pneumothorax, Opens dialog).
- Bleeding caused by the biopsy forceps used to collect the tissue.
- An infection from the biopsy procedure.
- A very small chance of death.
Your doctor may discuss your results with you soon after the procedure. Test results on any biopsy samples are usually available in 2 to 4 days.
Bronchoscopy Normal: | The large airway leading to the lungs and the breathing tubes in the lungs appear normal. There are no objects, thick secretions, or growths. |
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Abnormal: | An object, thick secretions, or growths are blocking your airway. |
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Tissue sample shows a lung infection or disease, such as tuberculosis, Opens dialog or lung cancer, Opens dialog. |
