What to Expect Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy: What to Expect
Your doctor has recommended a bronchoscopy, a common procedure that allows us to look inside your lungs and airways. This information sheet explains why bronchoscopies are done, what to expect, and how to prepare.
What is a Bronchoscopy?
A bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a physician uses a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope to examine the airways and lungs. The bronchoscope has a small camera and light that allows your doctor to see inside your airway and breathing tubes.
During the procedure, the bronchoscope is gently passed through your nose or mouth and into your lungs.
Bronchoscopy procedures are usually performed with sedation so that you are comfortable.
Why is a Bronchoscopy Done?
Bronchoscopy may be recommended to help diagnose or treat different lung conditions. Common reasons include:
- Evaluating abnormal findings on a chest CT scan or X-ray
- Evaluating lung nodules, masses, lymph nodes, or infections
- Obtaining samples of lung tissue, mucus, or fluid
- Looking for causes of coughing up blood
- Evaluating airway inflammation or blockage
- Investigating persistent cough
Your doctor will explain the specific reason the procedure has been recommended for you.
Benefits of Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy can:
- Help identify infections, inflammation, or cancer
- Allow doctors to collect samples for laboratory testing
- Help guide treatment decisions
- Occasionally allow treatment of certain airway problems during the procedure
Risks of Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is generally very safe, but like all medical procedures, there are potential risks. Possible risks include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Low oxygen levels during the procedure
- Temporary sore throat, cough, or hoarseness
- Reaction to sedation medications
- Pneumothorax (collapsed lung), which is uncommon but may require additional treatment
Your care team will monitor you closely during and after the procedure to minimize these risks.
How to Prepare
Please follow these instructions before your procedure:
- Do not eat or drink anything on the day of your bronchoscopy.
- You must have a ride to and from the procedure.
- Because sedation is used, you cannot drive for the rest of the day after your bronchoscopy.
- You may be asked to hold certain blood-thinning medications, including:
- Eliquis, Xarelto, or Pradaxa
- Plavix
- Coumadin (warfarin)
- Aspirin
If you take any blood thinners, your doctor or nurse will give you specific instructions about when to stop them.
Scheduling Your Procedure
A member of our office team will contact you to schedule your bronchoscopy. If you have not heard from our scheduler, please contact our office.
Procedure Location
Your bronchoscopy will take place in the Bronchoscopy Suites at VHC Health Hospital.
Address:
1701 N George Mason Drive
1st Floor
Arlington, VA 22205
Additional instructions about where to check in will be provided when your procedure is scheduled.
After the Procedure
After your bronchoscopy:
- You will spend some time, typically 30 to 60 minutes, in recovery while the sedation wears off.
- Most patients go home the same day.
- You may have a mild sore throat or cough, which usually improves within a day
Your doctor will discuss when to expect results from any tests or biopsies obtained during the procedure.
Questions?
If you have any questions before your procedure, please contact our office.
PMA Health: 703-521-6662