Bronchoscopy

A bronchoscopy is a medical procedure that involves the examination of the airways and the inside of the lungs using a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope. This procedure is typically performed by a pulmonologist or an interventional pulmonologist and may be done for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. Here's an overview of bronchoscopy:

1. Purpose:Bronchoscopy is used for various purposes, including:

   • Diagnosis: To investigate the cause of persistent cough, abnormal chest X-rays, lung infections, or the presence of a foreign body in the airways.

   • Biopsy: To obtain tissue samples from the lungs for examination, which can help diagnose lung diseases like lung cancer, infections, or interstitial lung diseases.

   • Removal of foreign objects: If an object is accidentally inhaled and becomes lodged in the airways, a bronchoscope can be used to remove it.

   • Treatment: Bronchoscopy can be used to treat certain conditions, such as removing mucus plugs, opening blocked airways, or stopping bleeding in the lungs.

2. Procedure:During the procedure, the patient is usually under sedation or anesthesia. The bronchoscope is inserted through the mouth or nose and passed down the throat and into the airways. The bronchoscope has a light and a camera, which allows the pulmonologist to see the inside of the airways and lungs on a monitor. If necessary, specialized instruments can be passed through the bronchoscope to perform biopsies or other procedures.

3. Safety:Bronchoscopy is generally considered safe, but it may carry some risks, such as bleeding, infection, or a reaction to anesthesia. These risks are typically low, and the benefits of obtaining a precise diagnosis or treating lung conditions often outweigh the risks.

4. Recovery:After the procedure, the patient may experience a sore throat, hoarseness, or a mild cough, but these symptoms typically resolve within a day or two. In the case of a biopsy or other interventional procedures, there may be some discomfort or mild bleeding for a short period.

5. Results:The results of a bronchoscopy can help diagnose lung diseases, guide treatment decisions, and provide valuable information for healthcare providers to develop an appropriate care plan.

Bronchoscopy is a valuable tool in diagnosing and managing various lung and airway conditions. It allows for direct visualization of the respiratory system, tissue sampling, and intervention, and it is an essential tool in the field of pulmonology for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Your healthcare provider will discuss the reasons for the procedure, what to expect, and any specific preparations with you before the bronchoscopy.

RECENT ADVANCES IN BRONSHOCOPY –

EBUS

Endo bronchial ultrasound guided bronchoscopy identifies masses and lymph nodes in the mediastinum enhancing the diagnostic accuracy of bronchoscopic biopsy.

CRYO

Cryo or cold tip bronchoscopy procedures have specific utility in mass lesions in the airways and in cryo biopsies

NAVIGATIONAL AND ROBOT ASSISTED BRONCHOSCOPY

These are exciting advances but are currently not available.

LASERS AND STENTS

These may be used for clearing obstruction to the main breathing pipes. These should be undertaken by experts only.

COPD STENTS

These are one way blockers used for the treatment of COPD. Not available here

OXYGEN THERAPY

Oxygen is invaluable for persons suffering from lung diseases. It is a medicine and should be used carefully under the guidance of an expert.

OXGEN DELIVERY MASKS

These are

• Nasal cannulas

• Face masks

OXYGEN STORAGE AND DELIVERY

These are

• Oxygen tanks

• Oxygen concentrators – for transport or for home use

NEBULISATION THERAPY

This useful for persons who have breathing difficulty due to asthma and COPD

TYPES OF NEBULISERS

• Jet nebulisers

• Mesh nebulisers