Bronchoscopy

This procedure is normally performed in a hospital or a well equipped outpatient facility. Patients are sedated and a thin tube is entered into the airways through one of the nostrils. This enables the physician to see the inside of the airways and also take photographs or videos. If an abnormal area or a cancer is apparent, a biopsy may be done at this time. Other procedures done at the same time are bronchial washes and brushes.

Bronchial wash: A small amount of sterile fluid is introduced into the airways and removed shortly thereafter. This fluid is then sent to a laboratory for study.

Bronchial brushing is done by using a fine brush during the Bronchoscopy. The tip of the brush is used to extract cells from the airways which are then sent to a laboratory for study.

Bronchoscopy is fairly well tolerated and the patient may go home the same day.