Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy – a visual examination of the lower airways, including the larynx, trachea and bronchi with the help of a special fiberoptic scope – bronchoscope. This scope is a flexible viewing device containing an eyepiece. The bronchoscope is passed through your nose (sometimes mouth), and then into your lungs, usually in a sitting position under a local anesthesia.

By using the eyepiece, the physician thoroughly observes the zoomed image of the larynx, vocal cords, mucous tunics trachea and bronchi, and the mucosal lining of these passageways. In case of necessity tissue samples or biopsy may be taken for histological study. The procedure is absolutely painless. It helps to make a quick and precise diagnosis even at early stages of an illness (inflammation, tumors, foreign bodies). According to the bronchoscopy results the doctor makes individual treatment plan for each patient.

Preparation for the investigation:

The investigation is performed in the morning and the patient needs to fast prior to the procedure.

The evening prior to the procedure (not later than 20.00 pm) there should be a light supper.

After the test is completed, food and liquids will be restricted for 30 minutes.

(The patient may lie during the procedure under propofol – medicine that helps to fall into short-term medication sleep.

(If local anesthetics are not used – there may be no food and liquids restrictions after the procedure.