Bronchoscopy

Also known as: bronchoscope.

What is bronchoscopy?

A bronchoscopy is a medical test that is used to examine and look for problems in the lungs. The procedure may also be used to obtain a sample of tissue from the lungs or airway.

What happens during the procedure?

A bronchoscopy is performed using a medical instrument known as a bronchoscope. This is a thin, flexible tube with a camera and a light on the end of it. It is fed through the nose or mouth and down into the lungs in order to perform the procedure. The patient is frequently given medicine to numb the throat prior to the procedure. General anesthesia is rarely required.
 

Is any special preparation needed? 

Patients may need to avoid food, drink or certain medications prior to the procedure.
 

What are the risk factors?

Sore throat, cough, hoarseness, fever, bleeding, pneumonia and collapsed lung are potential risks of bronchoscopy.

Reviewed by: Brian Ho, MD

This page was last updated on: January 18, 2022 06:51 PM