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Ency. home > Test > B > Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy    See images

Overview | Risks | Results

Alternative names:

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy

Definition:

Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure in which a tube with a tiny camera on the end is inserted through the nose or mouth into the lungs. The procedure provides a view of the airways of the lung and allows doctors to collect lung secretions and to biopsy for tissue specimens.

How the Test is Performed

The pulmonologist (a lung specialist trained to perform a bronchoscopy) sprays a topical or local anesthetic in your mouth and throat. This will cause coughing at first, which will cease as the anesthetic begins to work. When the area feels "thick," it is sufficiently numb. Medications to relax you may be given through an IV, making you sleepy.

If the bronchoscopy is performed via the nose, an anesthetic jelly will first be inserted into one nostril. When it is numb, the scope will be inserted through the nostril until it passes through the throat into the trachea and bronchi.

Usually, a flexible bronchoscope is used. The flexible tube is less than 1/2-inch wide and about 2-feet long. As the bronchoscope is used to examine the airways of the lungs, your doctor can obtain samples of your lung secretions to send for laboratory analysis.

Saline solution can be introduced to flush the area and collect cells that may be analyzed by a pathologist or microbiologist. This part of the procedure is called a "lavage" or a bronchial washing. Usually, small amounts (5-10 cc, or 1-2 teaspoons) of saline are used. 

In certain circumstances, a larger volume of saline may be used.  In this procedure, called broncho-alveolar lavage, up to 300 cc of saline (20 tablespoons) are instilled into the airway after the bronchscope has been advanced as far as possible and a small airway is completely blocked (temporarily) by the scope.  Bronchoalveolar lavage is performed to obtain a sample of the cells, fluids, and other materials present in the very small airways and alveoli (air sacs).

In addition, tiny brushes, needles, or forceps can be introduced through the bronchoscope to obtain tissue samples from your lungs. Occasionally stenting and laser therapies can be performed through the bronchoscope. A rigid bronchoscope is less commonly used, and usually requires general anesthesia.

How to Prepare for the Test

This test may require an overnight stay in the hospital. A list of essentials is usually available from a doctor or clinic. Fasting is required for 6 to 12 hours before the test. Your doctor may want you to avoid any aspirin or ibuprofen-type medications before the procedure. You must sign an informed consent form. Arrange for transportation to and from the hospital. Many people want to rest the following day, so make arrangements for work, childcare, or other obligations.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

How the Test will Feel

Local anesthesia is used to relax the throat muscles, so there is the feeling of fluid running down the back of the throat and the need to cough or gag until the anesthetic begins working.

Once the anesthetic takes effect, there may be sensations of pressure or mild tugging as the tube moves through the trachea. Many patients experience the feeling of suffocation when the tube is in the throat (there is no risk of suffocation). If there is coughing during the test, more anesthetic will be added.

When the anesthetic wears off, the throat may be scratchy for several days. After the test, the cough reflex will return in 1 to 2 hours, then normal eating and drinking is allowed.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is recommended if a chest X-ray or other diagnostic procedure suggests a lung disease that requires an inspection of the airways of the lung or a tissue sample for diagnosis. Bronchoscopy is also recommended if you have been coughing up blood (hemoptysis).

Ency. home > Test > B > Bronchoscopy

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