Bronchoscopy
Overview
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows physicians to look inside the patient's lungs with the use of a small camera that is at the end of a flexible scope. The bronchoscope is passed either through the nose or mouth and the patient is sedated during the procedure. It is connected to a video screen so physicians are able to visualize the airways and take pictures if needed. Physicians may also take tissue samples to help in making the diagnosis
Preparing for Bronchoscopy
- No drinking or eating anything after midnight on the night before bronchoscopy.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure due to the anesthesia effect.
- Make sure to speak to your physician about stopping aspirin, plavix or other blood thinners prior to the procedure.
Risks of the procedure
- Fever or pneumonia
- Bleeding
- Collapse of the lung
Day of the procedure
- The nurse will go over your medical history and medications and insert IV line to deliver medications during the procedure.
- Nurse or technician will connect you to monitors to track your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen level.
- The anesthesiologist will go over your anesthesia history and make assessment of your airway.
- You will be taken to the operating room where you will be given general anesthesia to make you fall asleep.
- After you are asleep, the anesthesiologist will insert an airway (LMA) into the upper part of your airway to control your breathing during the procedure. If you have pre-existing lung conditions (COPD, Pulmonary fibrosis), you may need a tube inserted into the trachea (endotracheal tube) to better control your breathing.
- Once the procedure is done, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will be monitored until you are fully awake and able to tolerate regular food.
After the procedure
- You may have a sore throat or cough.
- If you are short of breath or cough up blood after the procedure, it is important to immediately contact your physician.
- Speak to your physician about when to restart your medications.
- Ask when you should expect the results of the procedure.