Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy

Description, Purpose, Preparation, Procedure, Post Procedure



Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a visual exam of the breathing passages of the lungs (called “airways”). This test is done when it is important for your doctor to see inside the airways of your lungs, or to get samples of mucus or tissue from the lungs.

Bronchoscopy involves placing a thin tube-like instrument called a Bronchoscope through the nose or mouth and down into the airways of the lungs. The tube has a mini-camera at its tip, and is able to carry pictures back to a video screen or camera.

Why do I need a Bronchoscopy?

  • Infections — When a patient is suspected of having a serious infection, bronchoscopy is performed to get better samples from a particular area of the lung.
  • Lung spot — An abnormal finding (“spot”) in the lung viewed on an X-ray film or CT scan may be caused by an infection, cancer, or inflammation. Bronchoscopy allows a doctor to take samples from the area.
  • Ongoing lung collapse — The collapse of a lung or part of a lung (atelectasis) is usually caused by something such as a small object, a tumour or thick mucus blocking the airway passage. The bronchoscopy allows the doctor to see the blockage, sample and/or remove the substance; this helps to open up the airway.
  • Bleeding — When a patient has coughed up blood bronchoscopy can help the doctor find the cause of the bleeding.
  • Noisy Breathing and Airway Narrowing — A person can have noisy or abnormal breathing sounds that may be caused by a problem with the throat or airways of the lung. There may be shortness of breath, noisy breathing or laboured breathing during sleep. The bronchoscopy allows the doctor to look directly at the throat, vocal cord area and major airways to identify any problems. Causes of this type of breathing may include vocal cord paralysis or weakness, floppiness in the airways (bronchomalacia) or voice box (laryngomalacia), or a blood vessel pressing on the outside of the airway (vascular compression).

Preparing for Bronchoscopy

You will be told not to eat after midnight the night before (or about 8 hours before) the procedure.

You will receive instructions about taking your regular medicines, smoking and removing any dentures before the procedure.

Before beginning the procedure, you will be given an aerosol spray of a medicine. After that you will be place under general anaesthesia.

What happens during a Bronchoscopy?

The bronchoscope is placed through the nose or mouth, then advanced slowly down the back of the throat, through the vocal cords and into the airways.

Your doctor will be able to see the inside of the lungs through the mini-camera at the bronchoscope’s tip.

The procedure could take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour depending on how long it takes for the medicine to take effect and the reason for the procedure.

What happens after the procedure?

Patients vary in theirtimes wake-up . You will need to stay in the recovery area for an hour or more before the sedative has worn off.

You will also need to wait 30–60 minutes or until the numbness wears off, before drinking any liquids.

It is unlikely that you will experience any problems after the test other than a mild sore throat, hoarseness, cough, or muscle aches.

If you feel chest pain or increased shortness of breath or cough up more than a few tablespoons of blood once you leave the hospital, contact your doctor immediately.

Lab results usually take about 1– 2 weeks depending on the specific test that is being done.