A bronchoscopy is a procedure where a thin telescope (bronchoscope) is used to look into the airways of your lungs (trachea and bronchi). The bronchoscope has a small camera at the end, so the doctor can see into your airways.
About the procedure
Your child will come to hospital and be admitted for the day. The procedure is done in theatre, usually under a general anaesthetic. The bronchoscope is passed through the mouth and into the lungs, where abnormalities in the airway can be detected. Fluid from the lung may be syringed back (broncho-alveolar lavage). This is sent to the laboratory to test for organisms or abnormal cells. The procedure generally takes approximately 20-30 minutes to perform.
What to expect after the procedure
A bronchoscopy is generally well tolerated. Most patients are observed in the recovery room, for one or two hours, after which they can go home. Patients may experience a sore throat on the day of the bronchoscopy and occasionally cough or fever. This typically resolves after 48 hours.
