2024-01-18 17:41:36
Definition: what is a bronchoscopy?
The bronchoscopy also called bronchial endoscopy or bronchoscopie is an examination which allows you to visualize the trachea and bronchi in search of abnormalities and.or in order to take samples.
This examination allows the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary and/or bronchial diseases of infectious, inflammatory or even tumoral origin.
This examination consists of introducing, through the upper airways (nose or mouth), a flexible tube called fibroscope or endoscope. Bronchoscopy is not known to be painful but is described as particularly unpleasant.
The pulmonologist passes the fiberscope (5 mm diameter optical system) through the nose or mouth and successively observes the trachea and bronchi of one lung, then the other. Samples can be taken by biopsy, cytoaspiration or bronchoalveolar lavage. Doctor Sofiane Ajina, pulmonologist.
Indications: why do a bronchoscopy?
This examination contributes to the diagnosis of pulmonary and/or bronchial diseases, for example when the patient presents:
demonstrations evoking bronchial lesions; an abnormality detected on chest imaging; symptoms ofsevere lung infection : in this case, fibroscopy makes it possible to analyze bronchial secretions in order to identify the germ responsible for the infection; suspicion of respiratory tract cancer. In this case, fibroscopy makes it possible to perform a biopsy (taking a piece of tissue to detect possible tumor cells).
Fiberoscopy can have a diagnostic purpose. It makes it possible to detect different diseases: bronchial tumor, tracheobronchial fistula, infectious pneumonia (samples by protected telescopic brush and bronchoalveolar washing)…. It can also be prescribed in cases of hemoptysis (bloody cough). Doctor Sofiane Ajina, pulmonologist.
Bronchial endoscopy also makes it possible to treat pulmonary and/or bronchial diseases, for example for:
remove a foreign body in the airways; ask a gastric tube ; administer medication into the bronchi; suck out thick secretions in case of’respiratory failure.
“Finally, fibroscopy is used for monitoring intubation and tracheotomy as well as monitoring following pulmonary stump surgery,” adds the expert.
What is the procedure for bronchoscopy?
Bronchial fibroscopy is most often carried out under local anesthesia in a medical office (most often in sitting). It is possible to carry out this unpleasant examination under general anesthesia in children, for example.
The exam lasts 15 to 20 minutes. The operator inserts the fiberscope through the nose or mouth. The fiberscope, also called an endoscope, is a sterilized medical instrument made up of optical fibers, a light, a video camera and an operating channel (in order to carry out therapeutic procedures).
After the examination, patients remain under observation for approximately 20 minutes.
How to prepare for the exam?
Under medical advice, certain medications such as anticoagulants must be stopped before the examination. It is necessary to fast for more than 4 hours at the time of the exam but it is possible to drink (water, tea, coffee, etc.) and take medication up to 2 hours before the exam.
If you smoke, it is better to stop the hours before the endoscopy. If the exam makes you anxious, you can be prescribed anxiolytics to take the day before. Doctor Sofiane Ajina, pulmonologist.
What are the risks of complications from bronchoscopy?
Fiberoscopy is not a risky examination. Side effects and complications are rare.
“During the examination, there remains a risk of coughing up blood (massive hemoptysis), pneumothorax, bronchospasm and respiratory distress” according to the practitioner.
There may be slight coughing up of blood and discomfort in the throat following the test.
There is a risk of misdirection following the examination due to local anesthesia. It is therefore recommended not to eat for 2 hours following the endoscopy.
You should seek medical attention if you experience pain or fever in the hours or days following the test.
Bronchial fiberoscopy: what contraindications?
There are some absolute contraindications to bronchoscopy such as:
Some cases of acute respiratory failure or tracheal obstruction; An inability to properly oxygenate the patient during the examination; Life-threatening heart rhythm disorders.
Relative contraindications to bronchoscopy include:
A recent myocardial infarction; Certain bleeding disorders.
Bronchial endoscopy: what results to expect?
The results of the analyzes carried out during the endoscopy will be delivered to you by the doctor prescribing the examination in the following days.
If samples are taken, the doctor will have to analyze the tissues to be able to make a diagnosis and offer appropriate treatment.
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