Bronchoscopy is an examination of the larynx, trachea and bronchi, the purpose of which is to find the causes of some disease symptoms, such as cough or hemoptysis. Endoscopy of the trachea and bronchi complements the radiological examination of the chest. What is bronchoscopy? What does the examination look like? How long does it take to get the result?

Bronchoscopyis also called bronchoscopy and is included in endoscopic examinations. The examination uses an apparatus called a bronchoscope or bronchofiberoscope. At the end of it there is a light source that allows the doctor to see the vocal cords, trachea, main bronchi and their branches inside the lungs.

The bronchoscope can also be used to remove secretions, blood, pus and foreign matter, to administer drugs directly into the bronchi, as well as to identify the site of bleeding.

Bronchoscopy also allows you to take tissue specimens for histopathological, bacteriological and cytological examination.

Bronchoscopy - indications for the examination

The most common diagnostic indications:

  • persistent productive cough
  • chronic shortness of breath
  • hemoptysis
  • recurrent pneumonia
  • suspicion of a foreign body in the respiratory tract
  • suspected damage to the respiratory tract (e.g. burns of the respiratory tract, perforation, choking)
  • suspicion of neoplastic changes
  • assessment of changes visible in imaging tests
  • control after thoracic surgery

The most common therapeutic indications:

  • foreign body removal
  • suction of secretions
  • medication administration
  • stopping bleeding
  • intubation

Bronchoscopy - contraindications

Planned bronchoscopy requires the patient's consent. Contraindications to bronchoscopy include :

  • heart failure
  • respiratory failure
  • myocardial infarction in the last 14 days before the examination
  • unstable coronary artery disease
  • serious arrhythmias
  • severe coagulation disorders
  • serious anemia
  • old age

Bronchoscopy - how to prepare for the examination?

Researchperformed on an empty stomach (the patient cannot eat or drink at least 6 hours before the examination).

No smoking is allowed 24 hours prior to bronchoscopy.

Bronchoscopy - what is the procedure and how long does it take?

Before the examination, the patient is given a sedative and a drug that reduces the risk of laryngospasm and slows down the heart rate. The doctor anesthetizes the nose and throat with a special spray. He can also use general anesthesia.

The doctor then inserts a bronchoscope (through the mouth) or bronchofiberoscope (through the mouth or nose) into the trachea and moves it into the bronchial tubes. Using tweezers, a brush or a mammal that is inserted through the endoscope, it takes tissue sections, mucus and the so-called washes from the bronchial tree, for microscopic (cytological, histopathological) and bacteriological examination.

If the patient has had a lung biopsy, they will be referred for a chest X-ray after the examination to make sure there are no complications.

A bronchoscopy takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Bronchoscopy - how long do I have to wait for the test result?

If the examination consisted only of endoscopy of the trachea and bronchi, the results should be available immediately after the examination. If samples were taken for analysis during bronchoscopy, you can wait up to 2 weeks for the results.

About the authorMonika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the "Journalists for He alth" Association, as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.

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