Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is one of the main procedures which allows a doctor to look at your airway through a thin viewing instrument. During a bronchoscopy your doctor will examine your throat, larynx, trachea and also lower airways.

Bronchoscopy procedure is generally done to identify the nature of all the problems with the airway, the lungs, or with the lymph nodes in the chest, or to treat problems such as an object or growth in the airway.

There are two types of bronchoscopy

Flexible bronchoscopy

It uses a long, thin, lighted tube to look at your airway. The flexible bronchoscope is used extensively because it is usually does not require general anesthesia, it 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 the tissue which is called as biopsy.

Rigid bronchoscopy

It is usually done with general anesthesia and uses a straight, hollow metal tube. It is used when there is bleeding in the airway which could block the flexible scope's view. To remove large tissue samples for biopsy.

To clear the airway of objects which cannot be removed using a flexible bronchoscope.