What is bronchoscopy and when is it used?

By Cristiano Antonino On Feb 7, 2023

Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic test that is carried out by the doctor thanks to a specific instrument, the bronchoscope, which is introduced through the patient’s mouth or nose

It can be performed under local anesthesia, under sedation or under local anesthesia and sedation (simultaneously).

What is bronchoscopy for?

Bronchoscopy is frequently used for diagnostic reasons (endobronchial tumours, sarcoidosis, interstitial lung pathologies, pulmonary infections) through some application methods (trans-bronchial biopsies, needle aspirations, broncho-aspirates, bronchiolo-alveolar lavage).

It can also be used for the removal of accidentally inhaled foreign bodies or for other operative procedures.

How does bronchoscopy work?

The patient is prepared about 30 minutes before the exam is performed.

Glasses, necklaces and jewellery, hearing aids and everything that could hinder the examination are removed, then an anesthetic is administered and an intravenous catheter is applied, in case it is necessary to administer drugs in the course of the procedure.

Then, the bronchoscope is inserted and gently passed through the airways.

At the end of the examination, the patient is kept under control for about two hours, to make sure that no complications have arisen.

There are some absolute contraindications to bronchoscopy

Patients suffering from blood coagulation disorders, cardiac arrhythmias, ischemic heart failure or disease, due to the risks associated with the invasiveness, albeit slight, of the examination, should undergo bronchoscopy only after specialist evaluation.

In addition, patients suffering from bronchial asthma should not be examined if there is an ongoing seizure due to bronchoconstriction or bronchospasm.

Even those who have problems with tracheal stenosis, respiratory insufficiency or high pulmonary pressure should only be examined in cases of extreme necessity.

Is it a painful or dangerous exam?

In most cases, bronchoscopy has no side effects other than minor discomfort as the instrument passes through the throat.

In any case, the examination is followed by a two-hour observation period, to verify that the patient does not have breathing problems or small bleeding due to the examination.

The anesthetic could cause, in the following hours, dry mouth, slowing of reflexes and drowsiness.

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