Bronchoscopy is a type of diagnostic procedure that allows examining the interior of the respiratory tract, either the trachea and/or the bronchi.
As they explain from the it consists of introducing a flexible tube (bronchoscope) of small diameter (between 5 and 6 millimeters) through the nose or mouth.
This type of test is generally performed to obtain samples of respiratory secretions, tissue from the bronchi, or lymph nodes.
But it can also be used to treat a pathology, such as ending respiratory bleeding, removing foreign objects, or installing a prosthesis in the trachea or bronchi.
Does it require special preparation?
Yes. Like other diagnostic procedures, the patient has to follow some guidelines such as fasting for 6 hours before the test and not drinking in the 4 hours before.
But don’t worry, because this type of test does not generally require hospital admission, although this will be determined by the specialist in each case.
Can I go alone?
What SEPAR does recommend is not to go to the test alone, because, as we will see later, to perform a bronchoscopy the patient is sedated, and that makes it essential that there be a companion to discharge us.
What do I do with the medication?
Another important aspect is what happens with the usual medication that the patient takes. Pulmonology experts explain that treatment should normally be stopped before the test, although this must be determined by the doctor in each case.
In general, you can only take the treatment by inhalation and the medication to control blood pressure and major illnesses (with very little water),” they explain from SEPAR.
How is a bronchoscopy performed?
We have already seen that during bronchoscopy a flexible tube is inserted into the lungs.
To carry it out, the SEPAR experts explain that the patient is installed on a stretcher and their blood pressure, as well as their blood oxygen level are measured, to keep them constantly under control.
Do they give me some kind of anesthesia?
What this test requires is some sedation. And for this reason, a route is placed on the patient, since it will be through there that the necessary anesthesia is administered during the test.
But not only via a vein, because whether the procedure is done through the nose or through the mouth:
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“A local anesthetic will also be applied so that the passage of the bronchoscope does not cause discomfort,” explain the pulmonologists. And only when the area is anesthetized will they introduce the tube.
How long is it and when do I go home?
Once the procedure is finished, which usually lasts between 40 and 60 minutes, the patient goes to an observation area until the specialists determine that they can be discharged.
And once back home, an important aspect must be taken into account: you cannot eat or drink for 2 hours after the bronchoscopy.
How risky is this test?
“Bronchoscopy is a safe procedure with a low risk of complications,” say pulmonology experts.
All in all, although it is not common, it is important to know what the complications of this type of test are in order to detect them in time and so that they do not become a major problem.
Thus, SEPAR indicates that the problems that may arise after a bronchoscopy are:
- bleeding. Sometimes and as a consequence of the collection of the sample in the lung tissue, some bleeding may occur during the procedure and expel some remaining blood when coughing.
- Pneumothorax. In the event that “a biopsy of the lung tissue close to the pleura has been performed, air leakage (pneumothorax) may occur and require admission for observation, or the placement of a small plastic tube in the chest to facilitate exit of air”, explain the specialists.
- Decreased oxygen. Another consequence could be the drop in oxygen level. In these cases, the patient will be fitted with a provisional oxygen mask or goggles.
- Other complications. After the procedure, the patient may suffer discomfort in the throat, always mild, or even fever. This type of discomfort usually disappears within 24 hours after the bronchoscopy.