Bronchoscopy Treatment

What is Bronchoscopy?

Bronchoscopy is a procedure that is done to allow a doctor to take a look at the patient’s throat, larynx, lower airways, and trachea by using a device known as a bronchoscope. This procedure is performed to treat and diagnose a variety of lung conditions and this is usually done by a pulmonologist or a thoracic surgeon. Additionally, this procedure is also used to remove a small sample of tissues from areas that is affected and is known as a biopsy.

A bronchoscopy involves using of a narrow, lighted tube (bronchoscope) that helps to view directly into the lungs’ airways of patients that are suffering from any lung condition or disorder. The bronchoscope is inserted either in the mouth or nose. It then travels into the airways through the trachea i.e. the windpipe that runs down the throat. Bronchoscopes come in two varieties i.e. flexible and rigid.

• Rigid bronchoscope: A straight tube limited to viewing the main airways. Used to:

  • Take out a significant volume of blood or secretions.
  • Stop the bleeding
  • Take out any alien items.
  • Eliminate ill tissue (lesions)
  • Do operations, like stent placement and other therapies

• Flexible bronchoscope: More commonly used by doctors, it can be lowered into the smallest airways (bronchioles). Used to:

  • Administer oxygen
  • Extract secretions with a suction
  • Take biopsy sample tissue
  • Put medication in the lungs

Why is Bronchoscopy Done?

It is typically used to find lung issues. For instance, the doctor may recommend it the patient have a persistent cough or an abnormal chest x-ray.

Reasons can include:

• Identification of a lung issue
• Identification of a lung infection
• Tissue biopsy from the lungs
• Removal of a tumor, foreign object, or other blockage in the lungs or airways, such as mucus
• Insertion of a tiny tube (a stent) to maintain an open airway
• Interventional bronchoscopy is used to treat lung conditions such as hemorrhage, abnormal airway narrowing (stricture), and collapsed lung disease (pneumothorax)

How is it used for Treatment?

• Sedatives and IV medication administered
• Heart and blood pressure monitored
• Bronchoscope inserted through the mouth or nose into the lungs
• If needed, the following sampling techniques used:
  • Washing: Saline injected and drawn back out
  • Needle aspiration: Needle passed through airway walls
  • Forceps Biopsy: Samples taken using forceps

Factors That Can Affect Bronchoscopy Treatment Cost in India

• Medication costs
• Patient Condition
• Duration of treatment
• Geographical location
• Hospitalization expenses
• Government policies and subsidies
• Medical tourism packages
• Hospital reputation and infrastructure
• The expertise and experience of medical professionals
• The type and frequency of diagnostic procedures
• The choice of treatment modality

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which Individuals Require a Bronchoscopy?
A: Patients with lung diseases, imaging anomalies, or respiratory complaints.

Q: Does a Bronchoscopy Hurt a Lot?
A: Usually performed under sedation. Mild discomfort possible, sore throat common.

Q: Do Pulmonologists Perform Bronchoscopies?
A: Yes.

Q: How Much Time Does Recovery from a Bronchoscopy Take?
A: Fatigue and sore throat may last a couple of days.

Q: Can a Bronchoscopy Eliminate Lung Fluid?
A: Yes, via bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).