This overview is a sample of the type of information available to you at Griffin Hospital's Community Health Resource Center. It is not intended to replace your physician's instructions in the management of your health problems, but to better inform you about a particular illness and alert you to the availability of other materials. If you have a question about any piece of information presented in theses fact sheets, please call your physician, or stop by the Community Health Resource Center at your convenience.

BRONCHOSCOPY

Bronchoscopy is a procedure that enables a doctor to see inside your respiratory (breathing) passages which includes your windpipe (trachea), voice box (larynx), and the bronchial tubes. This is done with the use of a bronchoscope which is a slender, flexible tube with mirrors and a light at one end. The tube is inserted either through your nose or your mouth and passed slowly into your respiratory passages.

The bronchoscope allows your doctor to look for any abnormalities such as a possible tumor or anything that may be causing an obstruction.

Other instruments can be inserted through the tube to take tissue samples (biopsies) or to remove particles or secretions.

You will be asked to sign a consent form once the procedure has been explained fully and you feel comfortable with the explanation. You will be asked not to eat or drink anything for at least 6-8 hours before your test.

A chest x-ray and blood studies may also be performed before your procedure.

Your bronchoscopy will be performed in the endoscopy laboratory, the radiology department or sometimes at your bedside. The procedure will take about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

You will be asked to remove dentures, eyeglasses, and all jewelry before the test begins.

You will be given medication by injection about an hour before your test to relax you, and to help dry up the saliva in your mouth. This is done to make it easier to pass the bronchoscopy tube into your nose or mouth.

You may be given either a local anesthetic to numb your nose and throat or a general anesthetic to put you into a deep sleep. If you receive a local anesthetic, it is sprayed into you throat and nose or given to you in a nebulizer form. The spray has an unpleasant taste and after a few minutes you may feel as though your tongue and throat are swollen so that you can't swallow (although you actually can). Try not to worry. This is a normal reaction to the local anesthetic.

If you have a general anesthetic you will be in a deep sleep during the procedure. It is important to know that the procedure will not begin until you are ready and are totally asleep or completely numb.

When the procedure begins, the bronchoscope is inserted into the mouth or nose past the back of your tongue and into the trachea and bronchial tubes. Gagging and an urge to vomit usually pass once the bronchoscope is in the esophagus.

The most uncomfortable sensation with having a bronchoscopy is the fear that you may not be able to breathe. It is important to remember that the bronchoscope will not block your breathing even though it may feel as though it will. You may also feel an unpleasant sensation of pressure in different areas of your chest as the bronchoscope is moved from place to place. Try not to cough during the procedure. If you should start feeling uncomfortable, use hand signals to alert the doctor or the nurse, since you will not be able to talk when the tube is in place.

Once the examination is over the tube is removed. If you have had general anesthesia, you will be taken to the recovery room where a nurse will take your blood pressure and pulse frequently until you are fully awake. If you have had a local anesthetic, your blood pressure and pulse will be checked and pain medication may be given if you are uncomfortable. Then you can return to your room. You will be asked not to cough or clear your throat since this can sometimes cause bleeding. You will be asked not to eat anything for several hours until the local anesthetic wears off (usually about 2 hours) or until your swallowing abilities return.

If you experience heavy bleeding or increased difficulty in breathing or show signs of a fever, notify your nurse or doctor. Some hoarseness (loss of voice) may also be experienced for several days and is quite normal following the procedure. You may find that warm gargles or throat lozenges will help to clear this up.

Your doctor may be able to tell you the results of the procedure immediately afterwards. If a biopsy or culture was taken, the results may not be available for several days.

If you have any questions about this procedure, ask your doctor or nurse.

Please note that this information is intended to give you a general overview of the topic. It is not intended to replace advice or instruction of a health professional. We recommend that you consult your physician, nurse, or qualified health professional regarding the information in this publication. © 1994 Planetree, Inc. Reproduction of this material in any form is limited to license agreement.

Planetree Health Fact Sheets are developed by Planetree, Inc., a non-profit consumer health organization, founded in 1978. The Planetree Alliance includes hospitals and libraries which, among many other patient-centered concepts, promote the importance of access to health information for patients, families, and community. For more information regarding affiliation with the international Planetree Alliance, call (203) 732-1365 or visit Planetree, Inc. at www.planetree.org.