Bronchoscopy

Category: Lung & Breathing Tests · All lung & breathing tests

What it is

Bronchoscopy passes a thin, flexible camera through the nose or mouth into the airways to inspect them directly, wash out samples (lavage), brush or biopsy tissue, and sometimes treat problems such as removing a foreign body or controlling bleeding.

Why it is done

It investigates lung shadows or masses on scans, persistent cough or coughing blood, unexplained infections, and collapsed lung areas; it also stages lung cancer by sampling lymph nodes (often with ultrasound guidance — EBUS).

How to prepare

You will usually fast for several hours. Sedation is standard, so arrange an escort and do not plan to drive for 24 hours. Tell the team about allergies, blood thinners, dentures and loose teeth. You will have a cannula placed and monitoring attached.

What happens during the procedure

The back of the throat and nose are numbed with spray (bitter taste) and sedation is given through the cannula. The scope passes gently into the airways; you can breathe throughout. Local anaesthetic is sprayed on the vocal cords, which can cause coughing at first. Samples are painless. It takes about 20 to 40 minutes.

Afterwards — recovery & results

You recover under observation until sedation wears off and swallowing is safe (about one to two hours) before eating or drinking, because of the throat numbing. A hoarse voice, sore throat, mild cough and blood-flecked spit for a day or two are common. A temperature later that day often settles by morning.

Risks & considerations

Risks include bleeding after biopsies (usually minor), infection or fever, low oxygen during the test, bronchospasm in asthma/COPD, and rarely a punctured lung with certain biopsy types (transbronchial). Serious complications are uncommon. Seek help for worsening breathlessness, chest pain, or coughing more than small amounts of blood.

Frequently asked questions

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