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Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is a procedure which can help diagnosis lung cancer, among other diseases of the airway or lungs. The procedure may be recommended if lung disease is suspected, and an inspection or tissue sample is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Most bronchoscopies involve the use of a flexible fiberoptic scope. Rigid bronchoscopes are generally being phased out by medical professionals, and are avoided whenever possible. The use of a flexible scope allows for an outpatient examination and causes minimal discomfort, requiring only minor sedation and topical anesthesia (1).
During the bronchoscopy, the examiner can view the tissues of the airway and lungs, either by directly looking through the scope or by viewing a TV monitor. A biopsy - or tissue sample - of the lungs can be taken for further inspection and lab analysis (2).
Preparation for a bronchoscopy typically involves abstaining from food the night before the procedure. Just prior to the examination, a numbing agent is typically administered in an aerosol form; this helps prevents coughing and gagging. The patient is then usually given a sedative to reduce anxiety and discomfort, though he or she is typically awake and responsive during the procedure (2).
The bronchoscopy is performed while the patient is sitting or in a reclined position. The examiner places the scope through the mouth or nose, and then slowly down the back of the throat and through the air passage. The examiner may explain what he or she sees while the examination is taking place (2).
The entire time of the procedure - including the time it takes for the medicine to take effect - ranges from about 30 minutes to an hour. While lab results from a tissue sample may take a few days to evaluate, the doctor will immediately be able to comment on the condition of the lungs and airway (2).
After the procedure, patients are typically required to stay in a recovery area for an hour or more so that the sedative can wear off. They must also abstain from food or drink for 30-60 minutes after the procedure while throat numbness wears off (2).
Complications from bronchoscopy are uncommon (3), and typically include minor bleeding, coughing, or throat discomfort. More serious complications may involve excessive bleeding, lung leak or lung collapse, though these are more likely to occur in seriously diseased lungs.
- Tapson, Victor F., M.D., et al. (1997) "Bronchoscopy." Cancer Medicine. Volume 1, 4th ed., 645-648.
American Thoracic Society. "Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy." Patient Information Series. Available online: http://www.thoracic.org/sections/education/patient-education/patient-education-materials/patient-information-series/resources/bronchoscopy.swf - Joseph Varon, Robert E Fromm, Jr. (1998). "Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy: Complications Among Physicians-In-Training. The Internet Journal of Emergency and Intensive Care Medicine. Volume 2(1). Available online: http://www.ispub.com/ostia/index.php?xmlFilePath=journals/ijeicm/vol2n1/bronch.xml