An overview of Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is a medical procedure in which a doctor examines the lungs and air passages using a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope. The doctor inserts the bronchoscope through the nose or mouth, down the throat, and into the lungs. This test is usually performed by a specialist called a pulmonologist, and it can help diagnose, treat, or monitor various lung conditions. Bronchoscopy can be used to collect samples of mucus or tissue, remove foreign objects or blockages, or place a small tube to hold open an airway (stent). The patient receives a sedative to help them relax during the procedure, and numbing medicine is applied to the throat to minimize discomfort. Complications from bronchoscopy are rare but can include bleeding or a collapsed lung.
What is Bronchoscopy used for?
Bronchoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the lungs and air passages. It is usually performed by a pulmonologist, and involves inserting a thin tube called a bronchoscope through the nose or mouth, down the throat, and into the lungs. Bronchoscopy can be performed using a flexible or rigid bronchoscope, depending on the situation. Common reasons for undergoing bronchoscopy include a persistent cough, infection, or abnormalities seen on a chest X-ray or other tests. The procedure can be used to diagnose lung problems, identify lung infections, obtain samples of mucus or tissue, remove foreign objects or blockages from airways or lungs, place stents, and treat lung problems such as bleeding, airway narrowing, or collapsed lung. During bronchoscopy, special devices like biopsy tools, electrocautery probes, or lasers may be used to perform specific procedures. Complications from bronchoscopy are rare but may include bleeding, a collapsed lung, or reactions to sedatives or numbing medications. The procedure typically involves receiving a sedative through a vein, along with a numbing medication in the throat to minimize discomfort. The bronchoscope is then guided into the throat, allowing the doctor to examine the lungs and airways, and potentially perform additional procedures as needed.
How to prepare for Bronchoscopy?
Patient preparation is necessary before a bronchoscopy test. This includes food and medication restrictions, as well as other precautions. Patients may be asked to stop taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), and warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven) several days before the procedure. They will also be instructed not to eat or drink for four to eight hours before the bronchoscopy. On the day of the procedure, patients will need to wear a gown and remove any dentures, partial dentures, or removable bridges. Hearing aids, contact lenses, or glasses may also need to be removed. A friend or family member should be available to drive the patient home and stay with them for the rest of the day due to the lingering effects of the medications used during the procedure.
How is Bronchoscopy conducted?
During a bronchoscopy test, a thin tube called a bronchoscope is passed through the patient's nose or mouth, down the throat, and into the lungs. The bronchoscope has a light and a camera at its tip, which allows the doctor to view the inside of the lungs and air passages on a monitor. The patient is usually given a sedative to help them relax, and a numbing medication is sprayed in the throat to lessen any discomfort. The procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes and is conducted in a clinic or hospital operating room.
How are Bronchoscopy results reported?
The results of a bronchoscopy are usually discussed with the patient by their doctor one to three days after the procedure. The doctor will use the results to decide on the best course of treatment for any lung problems that were found or to discuss any procedures that were performed during the bronchoscopy. If a biopsy was taken during the bronchoscopy, it will need to be reviewed by a pathologist, which might take longer than other results to return. Some biopsy specimens may also need to be sent for genetic testing, which can take up to two weeks or more.
Understanding the report
Bronchoscopy results are interpreted by your doctor, who will discuss the findings with you one to three days after the procedure. Based on the results, your doctor will decide the course of treatment or further tests and procedures that may be needed. The reasons for interpreting bronchoscopy results include:
- Diagnosis: The results help your doctor diagnose the cause of your lung problem, such as identifying a lung infection or abnormal growths like tumors.
- Biopsy: If a biopsy was performed during the bronchoscopy, the results will help determine if any abnormal tissue was found and guide the appropriate treatment.
- Removal of obstructions: The results will help assess the success of removing any mucus, foreign bodies, or other blockages from the airways or lungs.
- Placement of stents: The results will confirm if a stent was successfully placed to hold open an airway.
- Treatment of lung problems: The results will help evaluate the effectiveness of any interventional bronchoscopy procedures performed to treat issues such as bleeding, airway narrowing, or collapsed lung.
Your doctor will use the results from the bronchoscopy, along with any other relevant test findings, to create a personalized treatment plan for your specific lung condition.