Bronchoscopy

Test Overview

Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look at your airway through a thin viewing instrument called a bronchoscope. During a bronchoscopy, your doctor will examine your throat, larynx, trachea, and lower airways.

Bronchoscopy may be done to diagnose problems with the airway or to treat problems such as an object or growth in the airway. See a picture of bronchoscopy.

There are two types of bronchoscopy.

• A flexible bronchoscope uses a long, thin, lighted tube to look at your airway. The flexible bronchoscope is used more often than the rigid bronchoscope because it usually does not require general anesthesia, is more comfortable for the person, and offers a better view of the smaller airways. It also allows the doctor to remove small samples of tissue (biopsy).
• A rigid bronchoscope is usually done with general anesthesia and uses a straight, hollow metal tube. It is used:
  • When there is bleeding in the airway that could block the flexible scope's view.
  • To remove large tissue samples for biopsy.
  • To clear the airway of objects (such as a piece of food) that cannot be removed using a flexible bronchoscope.
  Special procedures, such as widening (dilating) the airway or destroying a growth using a laser, are usually done with a rigid bronchoscope.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: August 10, 2007
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine Robert L. Cowie, MB, FCP(SA), MD, MSc, MFOM - Pulmonology
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