Does Bronchoscopy Damage the Lungs?

What is a Bronchoscopy?

Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows for the endoscopic visualization of the airways from the inside. It is performed using an instrument called a bronchoscope.

How is Bronchoscopy Performed?

Before the bronchoscopy, the patient should fast for 6-8 hours. Blood-thinning medications, except aspirin, should be discontinued. Bronchoscopy, performed for diagnostic purposes, is typically done under local anesthesia and sedation.

A local anesthetic is first sprayed into the nose and the back of the throat to numb these areas. The purpose of this local anesthesia is to suppress the cough and gag reflex, eliminating the sensation of nausea that might occur when the endoscope enters the mouth.

There is no pain during bronchoscopy, so the anesthesia is not for pain management. Additionally, a sedative medication is given before and during the procedure to help the patient relax. This sedative allows the patient to follow instructions during the procedure, but they typically will not remember the procedure upon waking.

The fact that the patient does not remember the coughing and gagging reflexes induced by the instrument during the procedure enhances both the patient's comfort and the ease of the doctor's work.

During bronchoscopy, the patient is connected to a monitor to check heart rate and blood pressure, oxygen is supplied through a thin tube in the nose, and a pulse oximeter device is attached to the finger.

The chest specialist guides the bronchoscope, preferably through the nostril, or through the mouth with the help of a mouthpiece if it cannot pass through the nose, directing it down the back of the throat into the windpipe (trachea). For patients with narrow nostrils, the procedure is performed through the mouth.

The camera at the tip of the bronchoscope provides a detailed view of the inside of the bronchi.

The procedure can investigate or detect conditions such as infections, tumors, bleeding, and other abnormalities in the lungs. If necessary, one or more samples (biopsies) or lavage fluid (washing fluid) may be taken from the lungs during bronchoscopy. These samples are sent to the pathology laboratory for examination.

Is Bronchoscopy a Dangerous Procedure?

Bronchoscopy is generally a safe procedure. Complications from bronchoscopy are rare. The most common complication is bleeding at the biopsy site. During the procedure, the oxygen level may drop, in which case oxygen can be provided.

Does Bronchoscopy Damage the Lungs?

Bronchoscopy does not damage the lungs. Bleeding that occurs after a biopsy usually stops on its own. In some cases, air leaks may occur after biopsies are taken from areas with air sacs. However, even in such cases, this leak typically resolves on its own without the need for additional treatment.

How Long Does a Bronchoscopy Take?

A bronchoscopy performed under local anesthesia and sedation takes approximately 15-30 minutes. However, including the preparation before bronchoscopy, the procedure itself, and the observation period afterward, the entire process may take about 3 hours.

Post-Bronchoscopy Care

After bronchoscopy, the patient is observed in the procedure room for 1-2 hours to ensure there are no complications. Food and drink should be avoided for 2-3 hours until the numbness in the mouth and throat wears off. Once the numbness subsides, sore throat, cough, or hoarseness may occur for a few days. It is normal to have a fever on the day of the procedure.

The patient should not drive after the procedure and is advised to have a relative accompany them. If fever lasts more than a day, if there is sharp chest pain when breathing, shortness of breath, or excessive coughing up of blood after bronchoscopy, a doctor should be consulted immediately.