| | | |  | | © Reed Group | | |
Bronchoscopy is the examination or treatment of the main airways of the lungs (bronchi) by means of a fiberoptic scope (bronchoscope). Bronchoscopies are primarily performed to evaluate the appearance of the airways (presence of mucus, tumors, foreign bodies, etc.), or to obtain specimens (lung tissues, infectious agents, analysis after lavage). A bronchial biopsy is the removal of small tissue samples of the main airways of the lungs (bronchi) or alveolar tissue (transbronchoscopic biopsy) for analysis.
There are two types of bronchoscopes: a rigid tube that is sometimes referred to as an open-tube ventilating bronchoscope, and a more flexible fiberoptic tube. The latter has four smaller passages. Two for light to pass through, one for seeing through, and one that can hold medical instruments that may be used for biopsy, suctioning, or through which medication can be administered. The rigid bronchoscope is only used when the patient is under anesthesia. The flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope is more widely used, most often in outpatient settings.
|
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Bronchoscopy is used in the diagnosis and treatment of lung disorders. In addition to inspecting the bronchi for abnormalities and disease, bronchoscopy can be used to collect mucus samples, obtain cells from distant airways, or to take small samples of lung tissue (bronchial biopsy) for microscopic analysis. Biopsied tissue may be used to diagnose inflammation, bleeding, infections, cancer, sarcoidosis, pulmonary fibrosis, tumors, pneumonia, and other lung diseases or conditions; it may also be used to confirm the results of other tests such as a chest x-ray or a CT when the diagnosis is unclear.
Bronchoscopy can also be used to remove foreign objects or to remove thick mucus secretions. Abnormal growths can be destroyed or damaged vessels sealed off by means of laser (laser cauterization), heat (heat cauterization, diathermy), or freezing (cryocauterization) performed using attachments on the bronchoscope. The procedure is also recommended to determine the cause when a patient has been coughing up blood (hemoptysis). |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Bronchoscopy is usually an outpatient procedure. An intravenous line may be established. Vital signs, electrocardiogram (ECG) tracings, and blood oxygen saturation are checked throughout the procedure. For fiberoptic bronchoscopy, the individual is sedated and the upper airways are numbed using a local anesthetic. In addition, local anesthetic may be applied through the bronchoscope to the air passages to suppress cough. The bronchoscope is inserted through a nostril or the mouth, past the voice box (larynx), through the windpipe (trachea), and into a bronchus. The lung passages are viewed on a monitor. Instruments can be inserted through the bronchoscope, including forceps, small cutting devices, brushes, needles, tiny tubes (catheters), and devices to perform cauterization or to collect tissue samples for biopsy. The bronchoscope can also be used in conjunction with an x-ray machine to help guide the physician to any abnormal areas of the lung (fluoroscopy).
Rigid bronchoscopy is generally performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. The tube is inserted via the mouth, and because of its larger size, additional instruments can be used. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| In most cases, bronchoscopy is an effective tool in the diagnosis and treatment of lung disorders. Bronchoscopy and bronchial biopsy are routine procedures that are generally well tolerated and rarely cause complications. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Complications are rare but include cardiac arrhythmia, drug reactions, low blood oxygen, bleeding (hemorrhage), infection, perforation of the bronchus or trachea, air accumulation in the membranes surrounding the lungs (pneumothorax), pneumonia, or worsening of lung disease. There is also a risk of bleeding from the biopsy site(s). |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| The vocal capacity of the individual may be limited for a short time following this procedure. Individuals whose job duties require use of their voice may need to be temporarily reassigned.
In addition, because of the sedative effects of the medications used during the procedure, individuals whose job duties involve any risk to themselves or others should generally not work until the day after the procedure. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor
| Blaivas, Allen J. "Bronchoscopy." MedlinePlus. 27 Jan. 2004. National Library of Medicine. 19 May 2005 <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003857.htm>. |
Source: Medical Disability Advisor