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The bronchi are the lower airway passages that branch from the trachea (windpipe) and go into the lungs. A bronchoscopy allows a doctor to look directly into the larynx (voice box), trachea and bronchi. The purpose is to look at possible tumours, infections, blockage, excess mucus, bleeding, foreign objects or to obtain a piece of tissue (biopsy) for diagnostic purposes.
A bronchoscope is the tool used to perform the test. The type used most often is a narrow, flexible tube that contains the tiny camera. This tube passes easily down the throat and through the windpipe passages and rarely causes injury or side effects. A larger, rigid bronchoscope may be required for some procedures. No food should be eaten for 6 to 12 hours before the bronchoscopy. A local or general anaesthetic is given during the procedure. The gag reflex may be suppressed with a local anaesthetic sprayed into the nose and mouth. A sedative may also be given to further relax the person. The bronchoscopy procedure lasts about 45 to 60 minutes. After the test, a sore throat, hoarseness, or loss of voice may occur. These effects will go away within a few days. Lozenges or soothing gargles may be helpful. Test results are generally ready in a few days. However, results for tuberculosis may take longer. It is important to talk to the doctor, probably a thoracic surgeon, about the procedure and ask any questions that you have about what to expect before and after the procedure. Article #4941 Copyright (c) 2002 McKesson. All Rights Reserved. |
