Bronchoscopy

 

Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows the doctor to look inside patient’s lungs (airways).
During the procedure, a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope is inserted into patient nose or mouth and passed down the throat into the airways. The patient will be given medicine to make feel relaxed and sleepy during the procedure. The sedation makes patient undergo the procedure with no discomfort.
The bronchoscope has a light and small camera at the tip of tube which allows doctor to see patient’s windpipe and airways and take pictures.
Bronchoscopy can help find the cause of a lung problem. For example, during the procedure, the doctor may see:
A tumor or narrowing
Signs of infection
Excess mucus in the airways
Site of bleeding
Foreign body such as a piece of food in patient airway
Sometimes it's used to find out the cause of cough that has lasted for at least few weeks with all other tests non contributory.
The doctor also may take samples of mucus or tissue from patient lungs to test in a laboratory.
Sometimes doctors use bronchoscopy to treat lung problems. For example, the procedure might be done to insert a stent in a narrowed airway, remove foreign bodies (eg pea, coin, safety pin etc). An airway stent is a small tube that holds the airway open and might be used if a tumor or other condition blocks or narrows the airway.
In children, bronchoscopy most often is used to remove an object blocking an airway.
Patient will have to fast (not eat or drink anything) for 4 hours before the procedure. He can't eat or drink about 1–2 hours after bronchoscopy.
Bronchoscopy is a same day out-patient procedure. It is a safe procedure. Side effects and complications usually are minor.