What is bronchoscopy?

Bronchoscopy is a modern diagnostic study of the mucous membranes of the trachea and bronchi using a special optical device - a bronchoscope. This is the only method that allows you to directly assess the inner surface of the bronchi, to study their configuration, the relief of the mucous membrane and its vascular pattern, and if a pathologically altered area of ​​the mucous membrane is detected, a biopsy is performed for subsequent morphological analysis. Bronchoscopy is also the most important and effective way of treating patients with chronic inflammatory and purulent lung diseases.

Preparation for research.

The study is carried out strictly on an empty stomach, food intake for 8-10 hours and liquid for 4-6 hours before the start of the procedure is completely excluded. In the evening before the study (until 18:00) - a light dinner. On the day of the study, you should refrain from smoking.

Cancel oral anticoagulants (blood thinners) on the eve of the study, pause subcutaneous administration of heparin 4-6 hours before the procedure. For examination, you must have an outpatient card, the results of a CT scan of the chest or a description of the X-ray of the lungs, a towel (since after the procedure, a short hemoptysis is possible). If you suffer from bronchial asthma, do not forget the inhaler. During the preliminary conversation, inform your doctor about your allergy to medicines (especially if you are allergic to pain medications) and your chronic diseases (bronchial asthma, heart failure).

Additional diagnostic and therapeutic manipulations during bronchoscopy:

Mucosal biopsy / neoplasm

Flushing from the walls of the bronchi

Bronchoalveolar lavage

Sanitation of the tracheobronchial tree

What complications can there be?

As a rule, this study is well tolerated by patients, but sometimes there is a loss or hoarseness of the voice, sore throat, and in the case of a biopsy, hemoptysis may occur. These phenomena are temporary. You should be alerted to prolonged hemoptysis, intense unrelenting chest pain, swelling on the face and around the neck, nausea and vomiting, as well as fever and chills. If these symptoms appear, consult a doctor immediately.