Bronchoscopy: what it is, what it is for, how it is done, preparation and risks

Bronchoscopy is an endoscopy of the airways indicated for the diagnosis or treatment of diseases in the lungs, bronchi or trachea, such as pneumonia, lung cancer, or airway obstruction, for example, as it allows observing and evaluating the structures inside the airways. aerial.

This procedure is carried out by the pulmonologist using a thin tube, with a camera at the end, which enters through the mouth, or nose, and goes to the lung, through which the doctor can observe whether there are any changes in the airways.

Bronchoscopy can be carried out under sedation, in a hospital environment, and is offered free of charge by the SUS, or it can be carried out in private clinics or hospitals, and is generally indicated when other tests such as X-ray or computed tomography have shown changes or have not been able to identify the condition. cause of persistent cough, for example.

What is it for

Bronchoscopy is indicated for:

• Pneumonia;
• Lung cancer;
• Airway obstruction;
• Silicosis;
• Airway obstruction;
• Pneumonitis;
• Bronchopleural fistula.

Furthermore, bronchoscopy may be indicated to identify the cause of persistent cough, coughing up blood or difficulty breathing, for example, or for monitoring after lung transplantation.

How to prepare for the exam

Before undergoing bronchoscopy, it is generally necessary to fast for approximately 8 hours. However, you should take your usual medicines with a small amount of water.

Before the exam, you must inform the doctor of all medications, dietary supplements or vitamins that you use frequently. If a person takes anticoagulant medications, the doctor may recommend stopping use a few days before bronchoscopy, to avoid the risk of bleeding.

In addition, you must inform your doctor if you are allergic to medications or any other substance or food.

On the day of the bronchoscopy, it is important to bring a companion, as due to the use of sedation, it is not recommended to drive after the procedure.

How it is made

Bronchoscopy is performed by a pulmonologist, in the hospital or in specialized clinics, using sedation and the use of an anesthetic in the throat in the form of a spray, and the procedure generally lasts around 30 minutes.

During bronchoscopy, the doctor introduces the bronchoscope, which is a thin tube with a camera at the end, through the mouth or nose, which allows visualization of airway structures that are transmitted to a computer.

Bronchoscopy is a quick procedure, lasting around 30 minutes, with no need for hospital admission, and the person can return home the same day.

Bronchoscopy with biopsy

In cases of suspected cancer, the doctor may perform a bronchoscopy with biopsy, in which a small piece of the lung lining is removed to be analyzed in the laboratory and confirm the presence of cancer cells.

Possible risks

Since bronchoscopy involves inserting a tube into the airway, there are some risks, such as:

• Bleeding: it is usually in very small quantities and can cause coughing up blood. This type of complication is more common when there is inflammation of the lung or when a sample needs to be taken for biopsy, returning to normal in 1 or 2 days;
• Lung collapse: It is a very rare complication that arises when a lung injury occurs. Although treatment is relatively easy, it is usually necessary to stay in the hospital. See more about what lung collapse is.
• Infection: can appear when there is damage to the lung and generally causes fever and worsening symptoms of cough and feeling short of breath.

These risks are very rare and usually easy to treat, however, the examination should only be carried out with a doctor’s advice.