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Overview

 


What Is Bronchoscopy ?

Bronchoscopy is a procedure during which an examiner uses a viewing tube to evaluate a patient's lung and airways including the voice box and vocal cord, trachea, and many branches of bronchi. Bronchoscopy is usually performed by a pulmonologist or a thoracic surgeon. Although a bronchoscope does not allow for direct viewing and inspection of the lung tissue itself, samples of the lung tissue can be biopsied through the bronchoscope for examination in the laboratory.

There are two types of bronchoscopes - a flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope anda rigid bronchoscope. Since the 1960s, the fiberoptic bronchoscope has progressively supplanted the rigid bronchoscope because of overall ease of use. In some patients, flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy can be performed without anesthesia, but in most cases, conscious sedation "twilight sleep") is utilized. However, rigid bronchoscopy requires general anesthesia and the services of an anesthesiologist. During the bronchoscopy, the examiner can see the tissues of the airways either directly by looking through the instrument or by viewing on a TV monitor.


There Are Two Types Of Bronchoscopy : -

  • A Flexible Bronchoscope uses a long, thin, lighted tube to look at your airway. The flexible bronchoscope is used more often than the rigid bronchoscope because it usually does not require general anesthesia, is more comfortable for the person, and offers a better view of the smaller airways. It also allows the doctor to remove small samples of tissue (biopsy).
  • A Rigid Bronchoscope is usually done with general anesthesia and uses a straight, hollow metal tube. It is used : -
    • When there is bleeding in the airway that could block the flexible scope's view.
    • To remove large tissue samples for biopsy.
    • To clear the airway of objects (such as a piece of food) that cannot be removed using a flexible bronchoscope.

Special procedures, such as widening (dilating) the airway or destroying a growth using a laser, are usually done with a rigid bronchoscope.


Why It Is Done ?

Bronchoscopy May Be Used To : -

  • Identify the cause of airway problems, such as bleeding, difficulty breathing, or a long-term (chronic) cough.
  • Take tissue samples when other tests, such as a chest X-ray or CT scan, show problems with the lung.
  • Diagnose lung diseases by collecting tissue or mucus (sputum) samples for examination.
  • Diagnose and determine the extent of lung cancer.
  • Remove objects blocking the airway.
  • Evaluate and treat growths in the airway.
  • Control bleeding.
  • Treat cancer of the airway using radioactive materials (brachytherapy).

How It Is Done ?

You may be given some medicines before the procedure to dry up the secretions in your mouth and airways. You may be asked to remove dentures, eyeglasses or contact lenses, hearing aids, wigs, makeup, and jewelry before the bronchoscopy procedure. You will empty your bladder before the procedure. You will need to take off all or most of your clothes (you may be allowed to keep on your underwear if it does not interfere with the procedure). You will be given a cloth or paper covering to use during the procedure.

The procedure is done by a pulmonologist and an assistant. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen level will be checked during the procedure. A chest X-ray may be done before and after the bronchoscopy.


Flexible bronchoscopy


During this procedure, you will lie on your back on a table with your shoulders and neck supported by a pillow, or you will recline in a chair that resembles a dentist's chair. Sometimes the procedure is done while you are sitting upright. You will be given a sedative to help you relax. You may have an intravenous line  placed in a vein. You will remain awake but sleepy during the procedure.

Before the procedure, your doctor usually sprays a local anesthetic into your nose and mouth. This numbs your throat and reduces your gag reflex during the procedure. If the bronchoscope is to be inserted through your nose, your doctor may also place an anesthetic ointment in your nose to numb your nasal passages.

Your doctor gently and slowly inserts the thin bronchoscope through your mouth (or nose) and advances it to the vocal cords. Then more anesthetic is sprayed through the bronchoscope to numb the vocal cords. Since you are awake, you may be asked to take a deep breath so the scope can pass your vocal cords. It is important to avoid trying to talk while the bronchoscope is in your airway.

A large X-ray machine (fluoroscope) may be placed above you to transmit an X-ray picture to a TV monitor. The picture on the monitor helps your doctor see any devices, such as forceps to collect a biopsy sample, that are being moved into your lung. The bronchoscope is then moved down your larger breathing tubes (bronchi) to examine the lower airways.

If your doctor collects sputum or tissue samples for biopsy, a tiny biopsy tool or brush will be used through the scope. A salt (saline) fluid may be used to wash your airway, then the samples are collected and sent to the lab to be studied. Finally, small biopsy forceps may be used to remove a sample of lung tissue. This is called a transbronchial biopsy.


Rigid Bronchoscopy


This procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. You will lie on your back on a table with your shoulders and neck supported by a pillow.

You will be given a sedative to help you relax. You will have an intravenous line (IV) placed in a vein. A tube (endotracheal) will be placed in your windpipe (trachea) and a machine will help you breathe. Once you are asleep, your head will be carefully positioned with your neck extended. Your doctor then slowly and gently inserts the bronchoscope through your mouth and into your windpipe.

If your doctor collects sputum or tissue samples for biopsy, a tiny biopsy tool or a brush will be inserted through the scope. A salt (saline) fluid may be used to wash your airway, then the samples are collected and sent to the lab for biopsy.


Following The Procedure : -

  • Do not eat or drink anything for about 2 hours, until you are able to swallow without choking. After that, you may resume your normal diet, starting with sips of water.
  • Spit out your saliva until you are able to swallow without choking.
  • Do not smoke for at least 24 hours.


How It Feels ?

If you have general anesthesia, you will feel nothing during the procedure. Oxygen is usually given through a small tube placed in your nose if you are awake during the procedure.

You may be able to feel pressure in your airway as the bronchoscope is moved from place to place. You may gag or cough during bronchoscopy. Your airway will not be blocked, but if you feel discomfort let your doctor know.

After the procedure, you may feel tired for a day or so and have general muscle aches. If a local anesthetic is used, you may have a bitter taste in your mouth. Your mouth may feel very dry for several hours after the procedure. You may also have a sore throat and some hoarseness for a few days. Sucking on throat lozenges or gargling with warm salt water may help soothe your sore throat. If a biopsy was taken, it is normal to spit up a small amount of blood after the procedure.


Recovery After Bronchoscopy


Bronchoscopy by either procedure usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes. You will be in recovery for 2 to 3 hours after the procedure.


Risks


Bronchoscopy is generally a safe procedure. Although complications are rare, your doctor will discuss any risks with you.

Complications That May Occur Include : -

  • Spasms of the bronchial tubes, which can impair breathing.
  • Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
  • Infections, such as pneumonia. These can usually can be treated with antibiotics.
  • Ongoing hoarseness.






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