Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a procedure which allows health care provider to identify any blockages in airways of lungs. This can be either therapeutic procedure (that treats existing condition or problem) or diagnostic procedure (to identify the problem in airways).
Procedure of Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy:
- Anaesthesia and Sedation:
Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is done in a special procedure suite in an operation room. This is also done in other regions of hospital, like intensive care unit. Patient must discuss preferences regarding sedation before operation. Mostly, intravenous sedative medicines are given prior the procedure to induce relaxation and drowsiness. People do not remember what happened to them during procedure because of these medications. Few health care providers play music to make patient’s relax.During the procedure, pulse oximeter is connected to monitor oxygen levels in blood. Heartbeat rate and blood pressure are monitored too. Local anaesthetic spray is sprayed on the backside of throat. This prevents gagging and coughing during procedure. Often, local anaesthetics has bad taste. Sedatives are given after throat is numbed.
- Bronchoscope Placement:
A thin tube, bronchoscopy is placed in mouth or nose during bronchoscopy. This has tiny camera attached at its tip to display pictures on camera or screen. Usually, fiberoptic bronchoscopy is done with flexible tube. In few cases, rigid tube is used.Bronchoscope is placed into mouth or nose and gradually advanced into back of throat, through vocal cords and later into airways. Few people feel shortness of breath or have an urge to cough. More anaesthesia is given, if there is more discomfort.
It is difficult to speak, when the bronchoscope passes through vocal cords. This is a frightening condition, and is resolved once the bronchoscope is removed. Oxygen levels are always monitored to make sure patient gets enough oxygen.
- Examination:
Patient can listen to doctor’s explanation at each stage. Often, samples of fluid and tissue are collected by using bronchoscope. Other equipments are used to remove abnormal growths, secretions, foreign objects, to place stunts in airways and also to directly deliver radiation therapy on the abnormal area. Doctor enquires about pain in shoulders, chest or back during the procedure. Usually, pain is not felt and doctor also asks to hold breath for short periods during procedure.
