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Bronchoscopy, Diagnostic

by Editorial Staff and Contributors

Definition

Bronchoscopy is the visual examination of the air passages leading into the lungs. The exam is done with a bronchoscope, a long, thin tube with a camera on the tip.

Respiratory Pathway

Resp pathway with sinus
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Reasons for Procedure

Bronchoscopy is most often done for the following reasons:

  • Diagnose a lung disease or infection
  • Examine obstructions and secretions
  • Obtain a tissue sample, called a biopsy
  • Obtain a secretion sample
  • Investigate the source of a persistent cough or blood that is being coughed up
  • Check for a foreign object (eg, gum, nut, or other object) that may have accidentally been inhaled rather than swallowed

Possible Complications    TOP

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a bronchoscopy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

  • Bleeding
  • Collapsed lung
  • Irregular heart rate
  • Infection
  • Sore and swollen throat

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

What to Expect    TOP

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor may do some or all of the following:

  • Physical exam
  • X-rays of lungs
  • Blood tests
  • CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the body

Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, aspirin)
  • Blood thinners, like clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin)

Leading up to your procedure:

  • Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.
  • The night before, eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Anesthesia

Local anesthetic will be given to numb the throat. It will also help to prevent coughing and gagging. Sometimes, a bronchoscopy is done under general anesthesia. In this case, you will be asleep.

Description of the Procedure

The bronchoscope is a long, thin tube. It will be inserted through the nose or mouth. The scope will be passed down the throat and into the lungs.

The scope sends an image of the lung tissue to a TV monitor. The doctor may use the images and the scope to remove a small tissue sample. If a foreign body is present, the doctor may be able to remove it through the scope. If a lavage is planned, a water solution may be used to wash an area. The solution is then removed and sent to a lab for examination.

Immediately After Procedure

The removed tissue or secretions will be sent to a lab for examination.

How Long Will It Take?

Less than 1 hour

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during the procedure. You may feel a tugging sensation when the doctor removes a tissue sample. Expect some soreness in your throat and hoarseness for a few days after the procedure.

Postoperative Care

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

  • Spit out saliva. Do not try to swallow it while your throat muscles are numb.
  • Do not eat or drink anything while your throat is numb. The numbness will last for about two hours.
  • When you are able to eat, start with sips of water. Progress to solid food when ready.
  • If you had a biopsy, do not cough or clear your throat.
  • A chest x-ray will usually be taken before you go home.
  • Do not drive until the sedative has completely worn off and you are fully awake.
  • If you had to stop medicines before the procedure, ask your doctor when you can start again.
  • Resume your normal diet, unless told otherwise by your doctor.
  • Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

The doctor will usually give you a report after the sedative wears off and you are alert. It may take a couple of days to receive results from a biopsy. It may take up to six weeks for findings from a tuberculosis test. Ask your doctor when to expect your results.

Call Your Doctor    TOP

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
  • Coughing up more than a teaspoon of blood
  • Severe nausea or vomiting
  • Increased or unusual wheezing
  • Pain that you cannot control with the medicines you have been given

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES:

American Lung Association
http://www.lungusa.org
American Thoracic Society
http://www.thoracic.org/

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Lung Association
http://www.lung.ca/home-accueil_e.php
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php

References:

American College of Chest Physicians website. Available at: http://www.chestnet.org/ . Accessed October 14, 2005.
American Thoracic Society website. Available at: http://www.thoracic.org . Accessed October 14, 2005.
6/2/2011 DynaMed's Systematic Literature Surveillance http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/ : Mills E, Eyawo O, Lockhart I, Kelly S, Wu P, Ebbert JO. Smoking cessation reduces postoperative complications: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Med. 2011;124(2):144-154.e8.
Last reviewed March 2013 by Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated: 03/15/2013