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Bronchoscopy
What is a Bronchoscopy ?
A bronchoscopy is a diagnostic test used to view the inside of your lungs and breathing passages. Using a thin, lighted tube, called a bronchoscope, your doctor will view the airways into the body and lungs. Your doctor will take cells from both the breathing airways and the lungs. In addition, while performing a bronchoscopy, your doctor may make a decision to open an airway blocked by tumor or scarring, or place a stent.
How should I prepare?
Your doctor will give you very specific instructions about how to prepare for this procedure. Please follow those directions exactly. You may also use our page Preparing for a procedure as a general reference.
What should I expect?
A bronchoscopy is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, so you will not be required to stay in the hospital overnight.
- This diagnostic procedure is performed under IV sedation, so you will be awake, but sleepy throughout. It can also be performed under general anesthesia.
- You may be asked to take medication before the procedure that will dry out your mouth and air passages. The doctor will spray local anesthetic in the nose to help numb the area and control the gag reflex.
- Very slowly, the doctor will guide the bronchoscope into the area of the breathing airways. Your doctor is able to see inside the area with the help of a light, camera and video screen.
- You doctor will look at the area very carefully and take biopsies if necessary. Then the scope will be withdrawn and you will be carefully returned to full awareness.
- You should not drive or sign any legal documents the day of this procedure if you are undergoing IV sedation. Please bring a driver with you to the procedure so you have someone who can escort you home.
When will I get my results?
If tissue is taken at the time of your procedure and sent for a frozen section to be evaluated by an experienced thoracic pathologist, you may have your result the day of the procedure as you leave the hospital. Otherwise, results will be available within a few days.