+90 539 716 24 01Bronchoscopy is an endoscopic procedure which is performed to examine the airways in detail for the diagnosis and treatment of various lung diseases. Bronchoscopy can be performed under local or general anesthesia. When done for diagnostic purposes, bronchoscopy is usually performed under local anesthesia.
Bronchoscopy is an endoscopic procedure which is performed to examine the airways in detail for the diagnosis and treatment of various lung diseases.
It is performed using a device called a bronchoscope. In other words, bronchoscopy involves visualizing the airways, or bronchial tree, from the inside.
Before a bronchoscopy, the patient should fast for 6-8 hours. Blood thinners, except aspirin, should be discontinued.
If the patient has heart disease, approval from a cardiologist should be obtained. The patient should be evaluated as a whole to determine if they are suitable for the procedure.
Bronchoscopy is performed for various reasons, including:
Bronchoscopy can be performed under local or general anesthesia. When done for diagnostic purposes, it is usually performed under local anesthesia. A local anesthetic is first sprayed into the nose and the back of the throat to numb these areas. The purpose of the local anesthesia is to suppress the cough and gag reflexes and eliminate the feeling of nausea that may occur when the endoscope is inserted into the mouth.
There is no pain during bronchoscopy, so the anesthesia is not aimed at pain relief. Additionally, a sedative may be given before and during the procedure to help the patient relax. This medication allows the patient to follow commands during the procedure but not remember the procedure afterward. The lack of memory of the coughing and gagging reflexes caused by the instrument during the procedure enhances both the patient's comfort and the ease with which the doctor can perform the procedure.
During the procedure, the patient should be connected to a monitor to check heart rate and blood pressure, given oxygen through a thin tube in the nose, and have a device called a pulse oximeter attached to their finger. This device monitors the oxygen content in the blood and indicates whether the patient needs extra oxygen during bronchoscopy.
The pulmonologist guides the bronchoscope, preferably through the nostril, or if it doesn't pass, through the mouth with the help of a mouthpiece, down the back of the throat into the windpipe (trachea). In patients with narrow nostrils, the procedure is performed through the mouth.
The camera at the end of the bronchoscope provides a detailed view of the inside of the bronchi. It can be used to investigate or detect conditions such as infections, tumors, bleeding, and other abnormalities in the lungs.
During bronchoscopy, if necessary, one or more samples (biopsy) and lavage fluid (washings) may be taken from the lungs. These samples are sent to a pathology laboratory for examination.
In recent years, when bronchoscopy is used for therapeutic purposes, such as in cases of tumors or non-tumor diseases that narrow the airways, treatments like laser, cautery, or stent placement are performed under general anesthesia in an operating room setting.
Post-Bronchoscopy Care After the procedure, the patient is observed in the procedure room for 1-2 hours to ensure there are no complications. Eating or drinking should be avoided for an average of 2-3 hours until the numbness in the mouth and throat wears off.
After the numbness wears off, the patient may experience a sore throat, cough, or hoarseness that can last for a few days. It is normal to have a fever on the day of the procedure.
If any of the following occur after bronchoscopy, it is important to contact a doctor:
Bronchoscopy is generally safe. Complications from bronchoscopy are rare. The most common complication is bleeding at the biopsy site. Oxygen levels may drop during the procedure, in which case oxygen can be administered.
Other risks that may occur during or after the procedure include:
The risks of the procedure vary depending on the patient's general health and other factors. It is helpful to discuss with your doctor which risks are more likely in your case.
A bronchoscopy procedure performed under local anesthesia typically takes about 15-30 minutes. However, including pre-procedure preparation, the bronchoscopy itself, and post-procedure care, the entire process can take approximately 3 hours.
Bronchoscopy may not be suitable for patients who:
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Prof. Dr. Elif KüpeliChest Diseases Specialist
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