Emergency

Bronchoscopy

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A "Bron-kos-ko-pee" is a test which lets the doctor see into the air passages: the larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe) and major bronchial tubes. During a bronchoscopy, a thin flexible tube is passed gently through your nose or mouth. There is a tiny camera and light at the end of the tube. This lets the doctor see inside your air passage and take tiny bits of tissue or fluid for the laboratory to test.

Brochoscopy can also take pictures or remove foreign objects. Other reasons why patients may require bronchoscopy include:

  • to collect a tissue or cell sample
  • to collect a fluid or sputum sample
  • to locate areas that may be bleeding to help diagnose infections, or pulmonary edema
  • to diagnose lung problems of undetermined cause

What to expect

Review the Bronchoscopy guide and Bronchoscopy discharge instructions before your test.

During the exam:

  • The nurse will take a short health history, check your blood pressure, temperature and start an intravenous (I.V.).
  • Your throat will be sprayed with a numbing medicine to dull the feeling in your throat. The nurse will also give you medicine through the I.V. to help you relax.
  • When you are relaxed and comfortable the doctor will do the test. You will not have pain. During the test the nurse may give you more medicine to keep your throat numb. Sometimes this drips down your throat and you may cough a bit before it takes effect.

After the test:

  • After the test you will stay for about two hours before going home. The nurse will be checking your blood pressure and will make sure you are breathing easily. Because your throat will be numb, you must wait before drinking or eating.
  • The nurse will tell you when you can eat and drink and will give you information to take home with you.

Resources

This service is available at
This service is available at

Bronchoscopy at Leon Judah Blackmore Pavilion

855 West 12th Avenue
Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9
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