Video Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is a test that doctors use to inspect your airways. In this, the doctor threads an instrument known as a bronchoscope through the nose or mouth and down the throat to reach the lungs.
A bronchoscope has a light source and a camera at the end and is built of flexible fibre-optic material. Most bronchoscopes can get along with colour video enabling the doctor to document the findings.
Why does the doctor recommend a bronchoscopy?
A bronchoscope helps the doctor examine all the structures that constitute the respiratory. A system such as a larynx, trachea and the smaller airways of the lungs, bronchi and bronchioles. Doctors may use bronchoscopy to diagnose:
- Lung diseases
- Tumours
- Chronic cough
- Infection
Bronchoscopy may also be recommended if the chest X-ray or CT scan shows evidence of an infection, a collapsed lung or a tumour. This test is also used by doctors as a treatment tool.
For example, doctors may use bronchoscopy to clear the path of your airways by removing any object that is caught in them, such as a piece of food or to deliver medication to the lungs.
What are the preparations required for a bronchoscopy?
During a bronchoscopy, a local anaesthetic spray is applied to the nose and throat. A sedative may also be given to help you relax, making you drowsy but awake during the procedure. Oxygen is usually provided during a bronchoscopy. General anaesthesia is rarely used. Doctors may ask you to avoid eating or drinking for 6-12 hours before a bronchoscopy. You must consult a doctor if there is a need to stop taking:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen
- Warfarin or any other blood thinners
You may seek help from someone to drive you home after the test.
What is the procedure for bronchoscopy?
The doctor will insert the bronchoscope into your nose after you are relaxed. The bronchoscope travels from the nose through your throat until it reaches the bronchi, the airways in your lungs.
For collecting tissue samples from your lungs, brushes or needles may be attached to the bronchoscope.
The samples collected may help the doctor in diagnosing any lung conditions that you may have. A process, known as bronchial washing, may also be used by doctors to collect cells.
In bronchial washing, a saline solution is sprayed over the surface of the airways. The washed-off cells from the surface are then collected and examined under a microscope.
Depending on the patient’s condition, the doctor may find one or more of the following:
- Blood
- Mucus
- Infection
- Swelling
- Blockage
- Tumour
A stent, which is a small tube, may be placed into the bronchi with the bronchoscope to keep your airways open if they are blocked. After the doctor has examined the lungs, the bronchoscope will be removed.
What are the risks of a bronchoscopy?
Bronchoscopy is safe for most people but some of the possible risks involved in it are as follows:
- Bleeding especially if a biopsy is done Infection
- Troubled breathing
- A low blood oxygen level during the test
- Swelling
- Blockage
- Tumour
Dr Sheetal Chaurasia , Consultant – Pulmonary Medicine , Manipal Hospital Whitefield Bangalore always suggest you consult her in case you have any of the following symptoms after the bronchoscopy is done:
- Fever
- Coughing up blood
- Have trouble breathing
These symptoms may indicate complications, such as an infection, that may require medical attention.
How much time does it take to recover from a bronchoscopy?
A bronchoscopy lasts about 30 minutes and is relatively quick. Doctors may ask you to rest in the hospital for a couple of hours because you will be sedated.
After you feel more awake and the numbness in your throat wears off, doctors may allow you to go. During recovery, doctors may monitor your breathing and blood pressure.
Until your throat is numb, you will not be able to eat or drink anything. This may take an hour or two. Your throat may also feel scratchy or sore for one or two days and you may be hoarse.
This is normal and does not remain for a long time; it gets cured without medication or any treatment.
Need to consult doctors or specialists for bronchoscopy in Manipal Hospital Whitefield Bangalore?
Dr Sheetal Chaurasia is the senior Consultant – Pulmonary Medicine at Manipal Hospital Whitefield Bangalore. With experience spanning over 2 decades in the medical field, she is recognized as one of the most reputed Consultant Pulmologist in Manipal Hospital Whitefield Bangalore.
Consult Dr Sheetal Chaurasia and Book an Appointment Now
FAQ
What is video bronchoscopy, and when is it recommended?
Answer: Video bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a thin, flexible tube with a high-definition camera to examine the airways and lungs. It is commonly recommended to investigate persistent cough, coughing up blood, abnormal chest imaging, breathing difficulties, lung infections, airway blockages, or suspected lung diseases.
How does video bronchoscopy help diagnose lung conditions?
Answer: Video bronchoscopy allows the pulmonologist to directly view the airways and identify abnormalities such as inflammation, infections, tumors, narrowing of the air passages, or foreign bodies. It also helps collect tissue or fluid samples for accurate laboratory analysis and diagnosis.
Is video bronchoscopy a painful procedure?
Answer: Video bronchoscopy is generally well tolerated. Local anesthesia is used to numb the throat, and sedation may be given to keep patients comfortable during the procedure. Most people experience only mild throat discomfort that usually resolves within a short time.
How should I prepare before undergoing a video bronchoscopy?
Answer: Your doctor may advise you to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure. You should also inform the pulmonologist about any medications, allergies, bleeding disorders, or existing medical conditions so appropriate precautions can be taken.
How long does a video bronchoscopy procedure usually take?
Answer: The procedure generally takes between 20 and 45 minutes, depending on the reason for the examination and whether additional procedures such as biopsy or sample collection are required. Patients are monitored for a short period before being discharged.
Can video bronchoscopy detect lung cancer or other serious lung diseases?
Answer: Yes. Video bronchoscopy plays an important role in evaluating suspected lung cancer, tuberculosis, airway tumors, chronic infections, and other complex respiratory diseases. If necessary, tissue samples can be collected for detailed pathological examination to confirm the diagnosis.
What are the possible risks or complications of video bronchoscopy?
Answer: Video bronchoscopy is considered a safe procedure when performed by an experienced pulmonologist. Although complications are uncommon, some patients may experience temporary sore throat, mild bleeding after a biopsy, fever, or, in rare cases, infection or breathing difficulties. Your doctor will explain all potential risks before the procedure.
When can I return to my normal activities after a video bronchoscopy?
Answer: Most patients can return to their normal routine within 24 hours. If sedation is used, you should avoid driving, operating machinery, or making important decisions until the effects of the medication have completely worn off.
Will I receive my video bronchoscopy results immediately?
Answer: The pulmonologist can often discuss the visual findings immediately after the procedure. However, if biopsies or laboratory samples are collected, the final results may take several days, depending on the type of analysis being performed.
Why should I choose Dr. Sheetal Chaurasia for video bronchoscopy in Whitefield, Bangalore?
Answer: Dr. Sheetal Chaurasia provides expert video bronchoscopy using advanced technology for accurate airway evaluation and diagnosis. With a patient-focused approach, careful procedural planning, and comprehensive follow-up care, she ensures safe, effective, and personalized respiratory treatment for every patient.
