3 Min Read
Bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows a healthcare provider to look inside your airways and lungs. This diagnostic and therapeutic technique acts as a ‘window into the lungs’, revealing lung problems, and offering treatment and a road map for managing the condition. In this blog, let's delve deeper into the intricacies of bronchoscopy test, their types, purposes, and what to expect during and after the procedure.
Synopsis
Why is Bronchoscopy Performed?
A bronchoscope is a thin tube that is inserted through your nose or mouth, down your windpipe (trachea), and into your larger airways. It has a light and a camera attached to the end, allowing the doctor to look inside your lungs.
Bronchoscopy serves multiple purposes:
-
Diagnosing Lung Diseases and Infections: With the help of a bronchoscopy test, it is possible to see the state of bronchi and lung tissue. Thus, infections, inflammations, or other growths can be noticed. It is especially helpful to find out the causes behind chronic coughs, chronic infections, or localised lung abnormalities detected in imaging studies.
-
Removing Blockages or Foreign Objects: There are times when foreign objects, mucus plugs, or other blockages obstruct the airways. Bronchoscopy helps remove these obstructions and restore normal airflow.
-
Obtaining Tissue Samples (Biopsies): A bronchoscopy is well suited for obtaining tissue or fluid samples if a patient suffers from specific lung diseases. These samples are taken to examine lung cancer, tuberculosis (TB), or any kind of fungal infection for better treatment.
-
Treating Conditions: Bronchoscopy can also be therapeutic. It assists in treating tumours, managing bleeding, or widening narrowed airways. Several techniques can be used for these purposes—for example, laser therapy, stent placement, or cryotherapy.
If you want to learn more about this procedure, talk to an experienced pulmonologist today.
Types of Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy can be performed using different instruments. It depends on one’s clinical condition.
-
Flexible Bronchoscopy: This is the most common type. It uses a thin and flexible tube containing a light and camera at the end. This tool allows surgeons to navigate through the airways easily. The process of biopsies and removing other small obstructions becomes hassle-free. Flexible bronchoscopy is generally done under local anaesthesia. Thus, this procedure is less invasive and ensures faster recovery.
-
Rigid Bronchoscopy: This procedure uses a straight and rigid tube. It is generally performed under general anaesthesia. An expert pulmonologist recommends this operation only under specific conditions. For example, removing large foreign bodies or controlling heavy bleeding. Rigid bronchoscopy offers better control. It is mostly suitable for emergencies or when extensive therapeutic interventions can solve a medical condition.
The Bronchoscopy Procedure
Understanding the steps of a bronchoscopy can help alleviate your concerns. This step-by-step guide will prepare you for what to expect.
-
Preparation: The patients are often required to abstain from food and drink for several hours before the particular surgery. Before the procedure, some blood tests or imaging, such as a chest x-ray or a CT scan, may be done to confirm the need for and safety of the procedure.
-
Anaesthesia: In flexible bronchoscopy, local anaesthesia and a sedative agent are used to anaesthetise the throat and make the patient comfortable. Due to its relatively invasive nature, rigid bronchoscopy is carried out under general anaesthesia.
-
Insertion and Examination: The bronchoscope slowly advances through the nose or mouth and into the lungs. An operative camera at the end of the bronchoscope sends images to a monitor so the doctor can view the airways. In this stage, investigations may be carried out that involve taking tissue samples and determining possible treatments.
-
Recovery: Patients are monitored once the procedure is done until the effects of anaesthesia are worn off. Usually, the patients get discharged in a while. However, doctors do not recommend carrying out strenuous activities for at least 24 hours.
Risks Associated with Bronchoscopy
Like any other medical procedure, there are also a few bronchoscopy side effects.
-
Bleeding: Minor bleeding, particularly in cases of biopsies
-
Infection: Small risk of introducing or exacerbating infections
-
Pneumothorax: It’s a rare complication. The air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall. This can even collapse the lungs.
-
Reactions to Anaesthesia: Adverse reactions because of anaesthesia
Aftercare Instructions
After a bronchoscopy, following the medical specialist’s instructions is essential to ensure a smooth recovery.
-
Rest: Avoid strenuous activities for at least a day or two. This will enable your body to recover better.
-
Hydration and Nutrition: Once the effects of anaesthesia are gone, you can start eating. But do not eat heavily. Start with light meals and plenty of fluids.
-
Symptom Monitoring: Be vigilant for abnormal signs. This may include:
- difficulty breathing,
- chest pain or
- significant bleeding.
If any of these symptoms persist for long, consult your doctor.
Bronchoscopy is a vital procedure in pulmonary medicine. So, to receive a hassle-free treatment, visit Manipal Hospitals, Jayanagar, Bangalore, today. Book your consultation with the best pulmonologist now!
FAQ's
Bronchoscopy can diagnose and treat lung diseases. It is often used to remove blockages and obtain tissue samples for analysis.
You may need to fast for several hours before the procedure. There may be some pre-procedure tests, as well.
Every medical procedure comes with certain risks. With bronchoscopy, these are bleeding, infection, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), and anaesthetic reactions.
Share this article on:
