Bronchoscopy (Broch)
Bronchoscopy (Broch): Understanding the Procedure
Bronchoscopy (Broch) is a procedure used to directly view the airways and lungs using a thin, lighted tube called a bronchoscope17. It is inserted through the nose or mouth, down the throat, and into the trachea and airways, allowing healthcare providers to visualize the larynx, trachea, and large to medium-sized airways17. Bronchoscopy can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes17.
Types of Bronchoscopes
There are two types of bronchoscopes:
- Flexible Bronchoscopes: These are softer and provide clearer pictures of the lungs while also being more comfortable for the patient7. Pulmonologists most commonly use them because they are less likely to cause damage7.
- Rigid Bronchoscopes: These are straight tubes used to view larger airways1. They can be used to remove large amounts of secretions or blood, control bleeding, remove foreign objects, remove diseased tissue, and perform procedures such as stent placements1.
Why a Bronchoscopy Is Performed
A bronchoscopy may be performed to1:
- Diagnose lung problems such as tumors or bronchial cancer, airway blockage, narrowed areas in airways, inflammation, infections, interstitial pulmonary disease, causes of persistent cough, causes of coughing up blood, spots seen on chest X-rays, and vocal cord paralysis1.
- Treat lung problems such as to remove lung tumors or other blockages in your airways, control bleeding in your airway, help guide placement of a breathing tube, place medicine in your lungs to treat certain conditions, and help determine how severe lung cancer is3.
What To Expect During a Bronchoscopy
A specialist known as a pulmonologist typically performs bronchoscopies in a hospital or an outpatient setting7. The procedure may take 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on why the procedure is being performed7. In general, the process follows these steps7:
- The bronchoscope is gently guided through your mouth or nose, down your throat and windpipe (trachea), and into your lungs7. This lets your provider see your voice box (larynx), trachea, and large- and medium-sized airways7.
- During the procedure, a piece of tissue or fluid may be removed to be tested in a lab (a biopsy)7.
- After the procedure, you’ll be taken to a recovery area where you’ll rest until the medicine’s effects wear off7. You may feel a little groggy or sleepy for a short time and will need to have someone bring you home after the procedure7.
Potential Risks
Bronchoscopy is a very safe procedure; however, like other endoscopies, it has some risks7. You may experience mild side effects after the procedure, such as a sore throat, coughing, or a hoarse voice7. These symptoms are usually temporary and should improve within a day or two7.
Call 911 or have someone take you to the nearest emergency department if you experience any of the following7:
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At DrStemCellsThailand (DRSCT)‘s Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine Center of Thailand, we emphasize comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cells for managing respiratory health. If you have questions about bronchoscopy or would like more information on our services related to respiratory care, consult with our experts today!
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References:
- “Bronchoscopy”: This article provides in-depth information on the performance and clinical indications of bronchoscopy, including procedural steps, risks, and limitations. DOI: 10.1016/j.rmclc.2022.101637
- “Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage”: This article reviews the application of BAL with bronchoscopy, its indications, contraindications and interpretation of its findings. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chest.2022.05.007
- “Lung Volume Reduction via Bronchoscopy”: This study discusses the effectiveness of bronchoscopic lung volume reduction in patients with emphysema. DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201705-0959OC
