Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy, EBUS & Navigational Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy uses a thin, flexible camera passed through the mouth or nose into the airways to look inside the lungs and take samples. We use it to evaluate infections, bleeding, chronic cough, abnormal scans and lung nodules.
- Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) adds an ultrasound probe to sample lymph nodes in the chest. It is used to diagnose and stage lung cancer and to diagnose conditions such as sarcoidosis
- Navigational bronchoscopy uses a CT-based 3D map of your lungs, like GPS, to guide instruments to small nodules in the outer parts of the lung for biopsy
These minimally invasive procedures can often provide a diagnosis without surgery.
Preparing & What to Expect
How to prepare
- Do not eat or drink after midnight before your procedure, unless told otherwise
- Tell us if you take blood thinners, diabetes medications or have allergies. We will tell you which medications to stop and when
- Bring a list of your medications
- Arrange for an adult to drive you home. You cannot drive for the rest of the day after sedation
What to expect
Bronchoscopy is done at the hospital or outpatient procedure center with sedation or anesthesia, so you are comfortable. The procedure usually takes 30 to 90 minutes, followed by a short recovery. A mild sore throat or cough is common afterward. Risks such as bleeding, fever or a collapsed lung (pneumothorax) are uncommon, and we will review them with you. Biopsy results usually take several days, and we will contact you to discuss them.
See also: Lung Nodules & Cancer Screening · Sarcoidosis