Bronchoscopy

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KEY POINTS

• A bronchoscopy is a procedure used to look at the inside of your airways. It is used to help find or treat lung problems.
• Ask your provider how long it will take to recover and how to take care of yourself at home.
• Make sure you know what symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them.

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What is a bronchoscopy?

Bronchoscopy is a procedure that uses a flexible, lighted tube passed through your mouth and down into your lungs to check for problems.

When is it used?

This procedure can help your healthcare provider diagnose and treat lung or breathing problems or other problems with your airways. For example, it may be done because:

• You may have an irritation, growth, or scar tissue in part of your lungs or the airways to the lungs.
• You have a foreign body, such as a peanut or coin, in your airway or lungs that needs to be removed.
• You are coughing up blood.
• You need to have a small sample of fluid, or lung tissue (biopsy) removed for lab tests.

How do I prepare for this procedure?

• Plan for your care and a ride home after the procedure.
• You may or may not need to take your regular medicines the day of the procedure. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines and supplements that you take. Some products may increase your risk of side effects. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to avoid taking any medicine or supplements before the procedure.
• Tell your healthcare provider if you have any food, medicine, or other allergies such as latex.
• Your healthcare provider will tell you when to stop eating and drinking before the procedure. This helps to keep you from vomiting during the procedure.
• Follow your provider's instructions about not smoking before and after the procedure. Smokers may have more breathing problems during the procedure and heal more slowly. It’s best to quit 6 to 8 weeks before the procedure.
• Follow any other instructions your healthcare provider gives you.
• Ask any questions you have before the procedure. You should understand what your healthcare provider is going to do. You have the right to make decisions about your healthcare and to give permission for any tests or procedures.

What happens during the procedure?

This procedure may be done at a surgery center or hospital.

You will be given medicine called anesthesia to keep you from feeling pain during the procedure. You may be given a local anesthetic to numb the back of your mouth and throat. You may also be given medicine to help you relax. The medicine can make you drowsy or you may fall asleep before the procedure.

Your healthcare provider will pass the scope into your nose or mouth and into the throat, down the windpipe, and into your lungs. If your provider finds cancer cells sores or other unhealthy tissue he may remove the abnormal tissue or take a sample. If a foreign body is found, it is usually removed.

What happens after the procedure?

You may stay in the hospital for a few hours or several days to recover, depending on your condition and your test results.

You will feel some soreness in your throat or neck. Your jaw may be sore or your throat may be swollen. These problems may last a few days after the procedure.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions. Ask your provider:

• How long it will take to recover
• If there are activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup. Keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Every procedure or treatment has risks. Some possible risks of this procedure include:

• You may have problems with anesthesia.
• You may have infection or bleeding.
• Other parts of your body may be injured during the procedure.

Ask your healthcare provider how these risks apply to you. Be sure to discuss any other questions or concerns that you may have.