A bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to examine the inside of the lungs, including the bronchi, which are the main pathways into the lungs. Bronchoscopy is a process used for diagnosing the problems in the lungs, airways and lymph nodes present in the chest and for treating problems in the airways. Bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows the doctor to look at the airway through a thin instrument for viewing
A bronchoscopy also can be used to take a biopsy of abnormal lung or airway tissue and to visualize tumors within the lungs that do not extend into the bronchi using a technique known as endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS). It is also used for treating postoperative leaks in the lungs, opening up the spaces of the airway that are blocked, treating emphysema and asthma.
Types of Bronchoscopy
- Rigid bronchoscopy: It is a hollow and straight tube made of metal. Rigid bronchoscopy is also done when bleeding interferes with visualizing the area correctly. It can be done for performing specialized procedures like dilating and widening of the airway and using a laser for destroying objects.
- Flexible bronchoscopy: It is a long and thin tube containing small and transparent fibers that can transmit light images with the bending of the tube and allows the instrument to reach further and inaccessible areas in the airways. This process can be performed safely and effortlessly under local anaesthesia.
Treatments Of Bronchoscopy
- Removing fluid or mucus from airways
- Removing a foreign object from airways
- Widening (dilating) an airway that is blocked or narrowed
- Washing out an airway
- Take biopsy from inside the airways.
Risk Factors:
- An abnormal heartbeat, which is called an arrhythmia
- breathing difficulties
- fever
- infection
- low blood oxygen levels during the procedure
- minor bleeding, especially after a biopsy
- pneumonia
