Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure for examining the airways of respiratory system with the help of bronchoscope. This is used for visually detecting abnormalities in airways, like bleeding, tumors, inflammation and also for taking mucus or tissue samples. This is also used to remove the blockage in passage of airways.
Bronchoscope is a thin tube-like instrument that is either rigid (metallic) or flexible fixed with biopsy equipments and video camera on one end. Flexible bronchoscope is widely used as patient need not be given anaesthesia. This is often used for removing small samples of tissues. Rigid bronchoscope should be done with general anaesthesia. This is used for taking large samples of tissues. This is also used for removing foreign objects, like food particles in airways.
Bronchoscopy is performed for several reasons, for example, chronic cough, abnormal chest X-ray, coughing up blood and breathing difficulties. This is an effective test for bronchitis, lung cancer, pneumonia and tuberculosis. Generally, bronchoscope is inserted in mouth or nose. Insertion, however, may be done by tracheotomy. Tracheotomy is a surgical procedure done to make an incision in trachea on neck to open artificial airway.
Bronchoscopy Procedure:
Prior to actual procedure, local anaesthesia is given inside mouth and nose. Blood pressure, oxygen levels and heartbeat are monitored during the procedure. If required, external oxygen is provided. Depending upon the bronchoscope used, general anaesthesia may or may not be given. Bronchoscope is inserted into nose, mouth or through tracheotomy. Cough can be relieved by giving anaesthesia. Patients are advised not to talk during procedure as it may lead to sore throat in future. Doctor examines the inner structure of airways and performs washings or brushing to take tissue samples for biopsies. Once the procedure is completed, bronchoscope is removed carefully and quickly to make the patient feel comfortable.
