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Bronchoscopy

Published by Bupa's health information team, July 2009.

This factsheet is for people who are having bronchoscopy, or who would like information about it.

Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to examine your airways using a flexible camera called a bronchoscope.

Your care will be adapted to meet your individual needs and may differ from what is described here. So it's important that you follow your doctor's advice.

About bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is done using a flexible tube with a telescopic light and camera at the end which allows the doctor to see down the airways and into the lungs. Flexible bronchoscopy is often done to diagnose a lung problem. The doctor can take samples of cells from the airways using a washing technique. He or she can remove a small piece of tissue so that it can be examined (this is known as a biopsy).

Bronchoscopy can also be carried out using a rigid bronchoscope. This is less common and is used if there is bleeding in the lungs, or to remove objects blocking the airway, such as a piece of food.

What are the alternatives?

X-rays and CT scans can be used to show the lungs, but bronchoscopy lets your doctor take samples of your airways and look at them in more detail.

Preparing for bronchoscopy

Flexible bronchoscopy is routinely done as an outpatient or day case procedure. This means you have the procedure and go home the same day. It's usually done under local anaesthesia with sedation.

Your doctor will explain how to prepare for your procedure. For example, if you smoke, you will be asked to stop as smoking increases your risk of getting a chest infection, which can slow your recovery.

You will be asked not to eat or drink for at least four hours before the procedure.

At the hospital your nurse will check your heart rate and blood pressure. You may also have a blood test, chest X-ray and breathing test.

Your doctor will ask you to sign a consent form. This confirms that you understand the risks, benefits and possible alternatives to the procedure and have given your permission for it to go ahead.

About the procedure

You may be given a sedative injection to help you relax. This will make you feel drowsy. You will lie on the couch. Your doctor will spray the inside of your nose and throat with an anaesthetic to numb the area.

Your doctor will pass the bronchoscope through your nose or mouth and into the airways of your lungs. This may feel uncomfortable but it won't last long. Your doctor will give you more local anaesthetic to reduce coughing. If you find yourself coughing, you should try to relax and take deep breaths. He or she will examine your airways by looking at images sent though a camera attachment to a video screen. Your doctor may take a sample such as a biopsy, brushings and washings of any abnormal areas.

Afterwards, the bronchoscope is removed. This should cause little discomfort. The procedure should take between 10 and 20 minutes.

What to expect afterwards

You will need to rest until the effects of the local anaesthetic and sedation have passed.

You will be observed for several hours by a nurse. You may have a chest X-ray to check for complications. Don't eat or drink anything for two hours after the procedure because your throat will be numb. It's normal for you to cough up a small amount of blood after the procedure.

If any samples were taken, your doctor should receive the results back from the laboratory within seven days but he or she will advise you.

You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home. You should try to have a friend or relative stay with you for the first 24 hours.

Recovering from the procedure

Sedation temporarily affects your coordination and reasoning skills, so you must not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 24 hours afterwards. If you're in any doubt about driving, please contact your motor insurer so that you are aware of their recommendations, and always follow your doctor's advice.

You're likely to have a sore throat after the procedure. If you need pain relief you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, ask your pharmacist for advice.

You shouldn't have any problems after bronchoscopy but if you develop any of the following symptoms contact your GP, or go to your local accident and emergency department:

  • chest pain
  • trouble breathing
  • cough up a large amount of blood
  • high temperature

What are the risks?

Bronchoscopy is commonly performed and generally safe. However, to make an informed decision and give your consent, you need to be aware of the possible side-effects and the risk of complications of this procedure.

Side-effects

These are the unwanted but mostly temporary effects you may get after having the procedure.

You may have a sore throat after the procedure but this should only last a few days. Other possible side-effects include:

  • breathlessness
  • wheezing
  • coughing
  • fever
  • sinus congestion

Complications

This is when problems occur during or after the procedure. Most people aren't affected.

Complications of flexible bronchoscopy are uncommon but can include:

  • excessive bleeding
  • reaction to sedative or local anaesthesia
  • collapsed lung
  • infection

The exact risks are specific to you and differ for every person, so we have not included statistics here. Ask your doctor to explain how these risks apply to you.

Related topics

Further information

Sources

  • Beers MH, Fletcher AJ, Jones TV, et al. The Merck manual of medical information. 2nd ed. New York: Pocket Books, 2003:256-257
  • Bronchoscopy. British Lung Foundation. www.lunguk.org, accessed 16 March 2009
  • What is a bronchoscopy? Macmillan Cancer Support. www.cancerbackup.org.uk, accessed 17 March 2009

This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: July 2009

 

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