Bronchoscopy

What is Bronchoscopy?

Bronchoscopy is an endoscopic medical procedure used to examine the inside of a person's lungs and airways. It is a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure that involves the insertion of a flexible tube with a camera and/or surgical instruments into the lungs and airway passages, enabling the doctor to observe and treat lung processes and diseases.

Preparing for Bronchoscopy

Before the procedure, a chest x-ray and sometimes a CT scan may be required to provide a better understanding of the individual's breathing problems. The doctor performing the bronchoscopy will inform the patient about the procedure, its expected duration and any after-care. This is the time for the patient to ask any questions and discuss any concerns.

Other than that, the patient must avoid eating and drinking for a few hours before the procedure. The doctor may prescribe medication such as antibiotics, to be taken before the procedure. Depending on the location of the distal airways and the type of procedure, the patient may need to be put to sleep using general anesthesia.

bronchoscopy Procedure

The patient is laid on his or her side or back with the neck slightly extended. A local anesthetic is sprayed onto the patient’s throat, followed by sedation. The bronchoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a camera at the end, is then inserted through the mouth or nose. It is gently passed through the throat and into the bronchi, the main airways of the lungs. During the procedure, the doctor observes the inside of the airways on a television screen.

In some cases, a biopsy may also be taken during the procedure. This involves using a small brush or needle to collect a sample of tissue for further testing. The biopsy sample can be taken from the walls of the bronchi, or from the pleura, the tissue that lines the lungs.

Types of Bronchoscopy

There are different types of bronchoscopy, depending upon the purpose of the procedure and the type of instruments needed:

• Flexible bronchoscopy: This is the most common type, used to diagnose and treat problems in the larger airways of the lungs.
• Rigid bronchoscopy: This is a more invasive form of bronchoscopy, used to examine the smaller airways in the lungs.
• Bronchial stenting: Stents can be placed in airways to keep them open and prevent an obstruction.
• Electromagnetic bronchoscopy: This type of bronchoscopy uses a magnetic probe to measure airways pressure.

Risks of Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is considered a safe procedure; however, as with any medical procedure, there are certain risks associated with it. These include infection, bleeding, and a reaction to the anesthesia. Other potential risks include the development of a collapsed lung or pneumothorax, and damage to the airways or other organs.

Why Bronchoscopy is Performed

Bronchoscopy is a frequently performed procedure and is used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It is used to diagnose and assess lung conditions such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, and cancer. In addition, bronchoscopy can be used to remove mucus and foreign objects, or to take biopsies of lung tissue. It is also used to evaluate the effects of lung cancer treatment. Bronchoscopy can also be used to examine the surrounding tissues for more accurate diagnosis.

When it is Performed?

Bronchoscopy is usually performed if the patient has recurrent chest infections, symptoms of a lung disease, or suspicious findings on a chest x-ray. It can also be used to treat certain issues in the airways, such as blockages caused by mucus or tumors. Bronchoscopy may be recommended after a patient has had chest trauma, or if they have recently had a lung transplant.