BRONCHOSCOPY

General Information

DEFINITION--Visual examination of the lining of the bronchial tubes and removal of tissue and secretions. Surgery is performed with a flexible bronchoscope, an optical instrument with a lighted tip.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Windpipe (trachea); larynx; bronchial tree.

REASONS FOR SURGERY

• Suspected cancer in the bronchial tubes.
• Foreign matter that has been inhaled accidentally.
• Bleeding in the bronchial tubes.
• X-ray studies (bronchograms) to diagnose diseases of the lung, such as bronchiectasis or emphysema.

SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH

• Obesity.
• Smoking.
• Recent illness.
• Alcoholism or chronic illness.
• Use of drugs such as: antihypertensives; muscle relaxants; tranquilizers; sleep inducers; insulin; sedatives; beta-adrenergic blockers; or cortisone.
• Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens; marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.

What To Expect

WHO OPERATES--Thoracic surgeon, general surgeon, pulmonary specialist or ear, nose and throat specialist.

WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital or outpatient surgical facility.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Before surgery: Blood and urine studies; x-rays of chest; CT scan (See Glossary).
• During surgery: Bronchogram (See Glossary).
• After surgery: Laboratory examination of removed tissue and secretions; x-rays to check for complications.

ANESTHESIA--Local anesthesia or general anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube placed in the windpipe.

DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION

• The bronchoscope is inserted in the mouth, past the back of the tongue, into the main bronchial tube and its branches. Supplemental oxygen is supplied during procedure.
• Foreign matter is removed, if necessary. Tissue is gathered and secretions are collected.
• The bronchoscope is removed.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Excessive bleeding.
• Infection in lung or bronchial tubes.
• Injury to wall of a bronchus.
• Aspiration of mucous into the lower bronchial tissues.
• Heart rhythm disturbances.

AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--Depends on underlying disease.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Tissue and secretions obtained successfully without complications in virtually all cases. Allow about 24 hours for recovery from the procedure.

Postoperative Care

GENERAL MEASURES---Use a vaporizer to increase moisture in the air you breathe for the first 3 to 4 nights after surgery. Don't smoke.

† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.

† To help recovery and aid your well--

being, resume daily activities, including work, as soon as you are able.

• Avoid vigorous exercise for 7 days after surgery. > Resume driving 4 days after returning home.

DIET---No special diet unless dictated by an underlying disorder.

Call Your Doctor If

† You experience excessive bleeding.

• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
• You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill feeling and fever.