Bronchoscopy – examination of the internal lumen of the lungs

Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that allows doctors to directly view the inside of the respiratory tract, including the trachea and bronchi.

This is a valuable research method that can help diagnose various pulmonary and bronchial diseases. In this article, we will discuss what exactly bronchoscopy is, its indications and contraindications, potential complications, and how to prepare for this examination.

What is bronchoscopy?

Bronchoscopy is an endoscopic procedure in which a doctor uses a bronchoscope, which is a thin flexible or rigid tube with a camera and light, to closely look at the inside of the airway. The test may be performed for diagnostic, therapeutic or monitoring purposes. During bronchoscopy, the doctor may take tissue samples for further laboratory tests or remove pathological changes such as polyps or foreign bodies.

What are the indications for bronchoscopy?

Indications for bronchoscopy may include:

• Results of abnormal lung imaging tests, such as X-ray or computed tomography.
• Chronic cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms suggesting respiratory disease.
• Examination of lesions or tumors in the bronchi or trachea.
• Monitoring the progress of treatment or disease control.
• Suspected presence of foreign bodies in the respiratory tract.

What are the contraindications to bronchoscopy?

Unfortunately, not every patient can undergo bronchoscopy. There are some contraindications that may exclude the possibility of performing this test, such as:

• High risk of bleeding or perforation of the respiratory tract.
• Affecting accompanying blood coagulation disorders.
• Acute respiratory infection.
• Problems with heart or lung function that increase the risk of complications.

Can complications occur after a bronchoscopic examination?

Yes, although complications after bronchoscopy are rare, they can happen. Some of the potential complications include:

• Bleeding from the respiratory tract.
• Infections.
• Damage to the respiratory tract.
• Allergic reactions to medications or contrast agents used.

It is worth remembering that the risk of complications is usually lower than the benefits of accurate diagnosis or treatment of the respiratory disease.

How to prepare for a bronchoscopic examination?

Before bronchoscopy, your doctor will give you detailed preparation instructions. In general, you may be asked to:

• Reporting allergies to medications or other factors that may affect the test.
• Determine whether anticoagulants are used, which may require adjustment before bronchoscopy.
• Coming for the examination on an empty stomach, i.e. on an empty stomach, to avoid the possibility of vomiting during the procedure.

How is bronchoscopic examination performed?

Bronchoscopy itself is performed in a specially equipped office or treatment room. The patient is usually placed in a lying or sitting position. The doctor then inserts the bronchoscope through the nose or mouth and points it down through the throat into the airway. He constantly checks the image on the monitor to accurately assess the condition of the respiratory tract.

How long does bronchoscopy take? how long does it take to get the result?

The duration of bronchoscopy may vary depending on the purpose of the examination and possible therapeutic procedures. Typically, it lasts from 15 minutes to an hour. After completing the examination, the patient is observed for a short time to monitor any possible complications. The test result is usually available within a few days, although in urgent situations it may be faster.

Your suggestions

If you have any questions or concerns about bronchoscopy, it is always a good idea to consult your doctor or lung specialist. They will be the best ones to advise you whether this test is advisable in your case, and to answer any questions related to the procedure and possible complications.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in the topic of lungs and airways, we recommend reading articles on asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. It is also worth learning more about other imaging tests, such as computed tomography or spirometry, which may be helpful in diagnosing respiratory diseases.