Bronchoscopy

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Bronchoscopy is performed by an expert team of doctors (Pulmonology team). It is a technique of examining the airways for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in children as well as adults. Our experts take every step available to ensure the safety and comfort.

Flexible Bronchoscopy is done using a fibreoptic bronchoscope which is like a small bore, flexible tube.

Videobronchoscope is an advanced equipment that is also used here. It has a charged couple device at its tip which captures images and relays to a video-processor unit which then displays the images on a monitor. The images, thus produced are magnified and much sharper. Multiple images can be examined together, video recordings performed and shared with the patients.

The bronchoscope passes easily through the nose or the mouth and allows the physician to examine the airways of the patients from within.

The following structures are seen:

• Voice box (larynx)
• Wind pipe (trachea)
• Airways (bronchi)

They are examined for evidence of any abnormality and take samples for tests which help in making accurate diagnosis and guide correct treatment.

Bronchoscopy is performed to evaluate various problems like
• difficulty in breathing
• persistent cough
• coughing up blood
• abnormal chest X-ray.

The various diagnostic procedures that can be performed are :

• Endobronchial Visualisation
• Bronchial Washings and Lavage (BAL)
• Bronchial Brushings
• Transbronchial Needle Aspiration (TBNA)
• Endobronchial and Transbronchial Lung Biopsy (BLB/TBLB/TBB)
It is one of the most effective ways of diagnosing lung diseases such as Pneumonia, Tuberculosis, Lung cancer and Bronchitis.
It could also be used, therapeutically, for
• removing foreign bodies from the airways
• to place a stent (a tiny tube) to open a collapsed airway due to pressure by a mass or tumor
• to remove a mass or growth that is blocking the airway
• for temporary control of bleeding from the airways.
The various therapeutic procedures performed include:
• Endobronchial LASER
• Airway Dilatation and Stent placement
• Brachytherapy catheter placement
• Balloon Tamponading
• Foreign Body Removal

FAQs

Q. What is a bronchoscope?

A. The bronchoscope is a small, flexible tube which can be easily passed through the nose. The flexible tube carries a fiber-optic system that attaches to a video camera and light source.

Q. What is a bronchoscopy?

A. A trans-nasal flexible fiber-optic bronchoscopy is a procedure where a physician examines various parts of patient’s respiratory system through the bronchoscope. Bronchoscopy is an evaluation of the respiratory system, including voice box (larynx), wind pipe (trachea), and the airways (bronchi) for evidence of any abnormality. Your physician can see these structures during different stages of the breathing cycle and take samples for tests which help in making accurate diagnosis and correct treatment. He or she can also take pictures and record the images on video.

Q. What is a bronchoalveolar lavage?

A. In a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), the physician injects a small amount of saline through the bronchoscope into the airways and then sucks it back through the bronchoscope. The fluid obtained contains saline plus secretions from the lung, bacteria (if present), and cells. This sample is sent to the laboratory for various tests.

Q. What happens during the procedure?

A. The patient will not be allowed to eat or drink for four hours prior to the procedure.
Our experts take every step available to ensure the safety and comfort you. Typically, a flexible bronchoscopy is not done under general anesthesia, but patient will be given medications via the IV for sedation. The patient will be able to wake from this deep sleep and be able to cough, sneeze, or try to speak if directed. Numbing drops will be used to numb the nose, back of the throat, larynx, trachea, and bronchi. Lidocaine prevents irritation, cough, and sneezing. Once the numbing medication takes effect, the bronchoscope is inserted.

Q. How long will the procedure last?

A. Once the IV is in and all monitoring equipment is attached, the procedure takes less than 15 minutes to complete. If a bronchial alveolar lavage & transbronchial biopsy is needed, this takes a few additional minutes.
The full recovery process takes around an hour. Your physician or nurse will be able to tell you the approximate time for you.

Q. What are the possible side effects of the procedure?

A. Although each patient is different, there are usually little or no side effects from this procedure. Some of the possible side effects include:
• Fever: A mild fever may occur but is rare. Over-the-counter fever medicine will help.
• Nosebleed: Since the lining the nose is very delicate, a nosebleed may occur. Typically, it will stop on its own.
• Stridor: If one has stridor, it may temporarily get worse due to the effect of the medicine used during the procedure. A change in voice or noisy breathing may occur, but is also usually temporary.
• Wheezing: patients with a history of lung disease, such as asthma, may need additional medication to treat signs of wheeze both prior to and after the procedure.
• Hemoptysis
• Pneumothorax

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