A bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves the insertion of a thin, flexible tube through the nose into the airways of the lungs. This is done while you are sedated with intravenous (IV) medications under the care of an anesthesiologist.

Preparation
You cannot eat or drink anything after midnight before the bronchoscopy. That morning an IV will be started to give you sedation. You may also receive other medications, such as a breathing treatment. You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.

Advantages

• Physician able to directly visualize inside of the airways, which are poorly seen on CT scan.
• Done as an outpatient; you can go home the same day.

Possible Risks
These risks are small and all are treatable.

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Collapsed lung
• Trouble breathing
• Low oxygen level in the blood

What to expect after the procedure
You may cough up a small amount of blood for 1-2 days because of bleeding from the biopsy site. The sedation will make you drowsy for up to 12 hours, so driving must be avoided. It is common to have a mild fever after the procedure. You may have a sore throat from the scope. Lozenges, such as Cepacol, will help.

WHAT TO REPORT TO YOUR PHYSICIAN

1. Coughing up a large amount of blood (more than a cup)
2. Fever more than 101 degrees
3. Chest pain
4. New shortness of breath