Therapeutic and Diagnostic Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy can either be performed for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes, using either a flexible or rigid bronchoscope. A bronchoscope is a tube that is inserted through the nose or mouth to gain access to the airways and the lungs. Flexible bronchoscopes are more commonly used than rigid bronchoscopes.
When bronchoscopy is performed for diagnostic purposes, biopsies to determine the presence of lung or lymph node cancers can be taken. Therapeutic uses include the removal of a foreign object from the airways, dilation of an airway that is blocked or narrowed, draining an abscess and placing a stent to keep an airway open.
The bronchoscopy procedure usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. Patients should not eat or drink anything for at least two hours after the procedure, during which they will be recovering from the anesthesia. While the procedure itself is virtually painless, you may experience a sore throat or hoarseness for up to a few days after the procedure.
Although rare, there are certain risks associated with bronchoscopy. Some of these risks include bleeding, infection and spasms of the bronchial tubes. You can talk to your doctor about these risks.