Bronchoscopy and How Is It Done

What Is Bronchoscopy (Lung Endoscopy) and How Is It Performed?

Bronchoscopy, or lung endoscopy, is an endoscopic procedure used in the diagnosis and treatment of lung and airway diseases. It is performed with a device called a bronchoscope.

Bronchoscopy is a very commonly used examination and treatment method that helps diagnose many lung diseases, especially lung infections, unexplained cough, chronic inflammatory lung diseases, and lung cancer.

At Daviva Health Group, bronchoscopy procedures are performed by experienced specialist physicians in their field using advanced technological devices.

What is bronchoscopy (lung endoscopy), how is it performed, and what are its risks? Get detailed information about the process before and after bronchoscopy.

Why Is Bronchoscopy Performed?

The lung endoscopy procedure enables a detailed examination of the airways and helps diagnose many diseases. Bronchoscopy can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

• Visual Examination of the Airways

During bronchoscopy, the airways are viewed directly. Narrowing (stenosis), obstruction, tumor, inflammation, infection, bleeding, or other pathological conditions can be detected. For this reason, bronchoscopy is often preferred, especially for complaints such as unexplained cough and coughing up blood.

• Sample Collection (Biopsy and Lavage)

During lung endoscopy;

• Secretion samples
• Tissue samples (biopsy)
• Bronchoalveolar lavage (a fluid sample obtained by washing the airways) can be taken.

These samples play an important role in the diagnosis of infection, tuberculosis, and tumors.

• Diagnosis of Lung Diseases

The answer to the question of which diseases bronchoscopy is performed for is broad. It is effectively used in the diagnosis of infections (such as tuberculosis), interstitial lung diseases, and tumorous lesions.

Therapeutic Use

• Foreign Body Removal:

Foreign bodies that enter the airway can be safely removed with bronchoscopy treatment.

• Control of Lung Bleeding

The source of the bleeding can be identified and stopped with appropriate methods.

• Tumor Palliation

Breathing can be relieved by shrinking or removing tumors that narrow the airway.

• Widening Airway Narrowing

Airway narrowings can be treated using various endoscopic instruments.

How Is Bronchoscopy Performed?

Bronchoscopy (lung endoscopy) is an endoscopic procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or, when necessary, general anesthesia. It is usually done as a same-day procedure, and patients are discharged on the same day. The bronchoscopy procedure usually takes 15–30 minutes; however, the duration may vary depending on the diagnostic or therapeutic procedures to be performed.

The thin and flexible device called a bronchoscope is usually advanced through the nose or mouth to reach the trachea and bronchi. During the procedure, the chest disease specialist views the airways in detail thanks to the camera at the tip of the device. In this way, narrowing, obstruction, tumor, or signs of infection in the airways can be evaluated.

During lung endoscopy, samples can be taken from tissues that appear suspicious. This is very important in establishing a definitive diagnosis of the disease.

The types of samples that may be taken are:

• Lung secretions
• Tissue samples (biopsy)

The collected samples are sent to the pathology laboratory and examined microscopically. This analysis plays a critical role, especially in the definitive diagnosis of lung cancer and determining the tumor type.

In Which Diseases Is Bronchoscopy Used?

Bronchoscopy is a commonly used method in the diagnosis and evaluation of lung and airway diseases. Bronchoscopy is especially preferred in the following situations:

• Suspected lung cancer
• Long-term cough of unknown cause
• Lung infections
• Detection of lung nodules
• Suspected or follow-up of tuberculosis
• Bloody sputum (hemoptysis)
• Foreign bodies that have entered the trachea, bronchi, or lungs

Thanks to lung endoscopy, the airways can be directly visualized, biopsies can be taken when necessary, and laboratory analyses can be performed for a definitive diagnosis. Therefore, bronchoscopy is used as both a diagnostic and, in some cases, a therapeutic procedure.

What Are the Differences Between Flexible and Rigid Bronchoscopy?

Bronchoscopy is a method used to examine the inner surface of the trachea and the bronchi, which are the main airways of the lungs. There are two main types of bronchoscopy: flexible bronchoscopy and rigid bronchoscopy. Their areas of application and purposes of use differ from each other.

What Is Flexible Bronchoscopy?

Flexible bronchoscopy is the most commonly performed type of bronchoscopy, done using a thin and flexible bronchoscope. Thanks to its flexible structure, it passes through the airways more easily and provides detailed imaging.

In addition to its use for diagnosis, flexible bronchoscopy can also be used in the evaluation of local tumors and in planning radiotherapy.

What Is Rigid Bronchoscopy?

Rigid bronchoscopy is a procedure performed with a rigid and wider-caliber bronchoscope. It is used less frequently than the flexible method and is generally preferred for larger interventional procedures.

What Should Be Considered Before Bronchoscopy?

For the bronchoscopy procedure to be performed safely and smoothly, certain preparation rules must be followed before the procedure. The preparation process may vary depending on the patient's overall health status, the medications used, and the planned type of bronchoscopy (flexible or rigid).

• Blood-thinning medications may be temporarily stopped before the procedure under the doctor's supervision.
• If diabetes, blood pressure, or heart medications are being used, the doctor must be informed.
• Blood tests and radiological imaging performed before the procedure (chest X-ray, CT, etc.) are evaluated.
• Any history of allergies (especially to anesthetic medications) must be shared.

Lung endoscopy is usually performed on an empty stomach. Solid food intake should be stopped at least 4 hours before the procedure. Up to 2 hours before the procedure, water, plain tea, or unsweetened coffee may be consumed. Necessary medications may be taken with a small amount of water.

This fasting period is necessary to prevent stomach contents from entering the airways during the procedure (aspiration risk).

Recovery and Follow-Up After Bronchoscopy

The bronchoscopy procedure usually takes 15–30 minutes. After the procedure is completed, the patient is kept under observation in the recovery room for 1–3 hours. This period is necessary for the effects of sedation or local anesthesia to wear off completely and for complications to be monitored.

Nutrition After Lung Endoscopy

• Food and drink should not be consumed for a few hours after the procedure.
• Eating should not begin until the numbness in the throat has passed and swallowing is functioning properly.
• A liquid-based diet is recommended at first, then continue with light foods.

Bronchoscopy is usually performed as a same-day, outpatient procedure. In other words, there is no need to stay overnight in the hospital after the procedure, and the patient can return home the same day. If sedation or anesthesia was administered, it is important not to drive and to avoid heavy work for 24 hours after the procedure.

What Are the Risks and Possible Complications of Bronchoscopy?

Bronchoscopy is a safe endoscopic procedure used in the diagnosis and treatment of the lungs and airways. The procedure is generally low risk, but in rare cases some side effects may occur. The rare complications that may occur after bronchoscopy are as follows:

• Bleeding: Mild bleeding may be seen, especially in areas where a biopsy was taken.
• Infection: Infection may rarely develop in the airways.
• Difficulty Breathing: Temporary respiratory distress may occur after the procedure.
• Low Blood Oxygen Level: A rare drop in oxygen saturation may occur and requires monitoring.
• Bronchospasm: Temporary contraction of the bronchial muscles may occur.

For bronchoscopy to be performed comfortably and safely, it is important that it be done in fully equipped centers by experienced specialists in this field.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bronchoscopy

Is Bronchoscopy Painful?

No, the examination is not painful. The bronchoscope is placed into the airways after the effect of local anesthesia or sedation has taken hold. The discomfort felt during the examination is minimal and mostly comes from the urge to cough.

Is Bronchoscopy Surgery?

Bronchoscopy is not surgery. It is an endoscopic diagnostic and treatment method performed with a device called a bronchoscope.

How Long Does Bronchoscopy Take?

Lung endoscopy takes 15–30 minutes; however, the duration may vary depending on additional procedures.

Is a Hospital Stay Required After Bronchoscopy?

Bronchoscopy is performed as a same-day outpatient procedure under local anesthesia or sedation.

Make an appointment with our specialist chest diseases team for your lung or airway complaints.