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Endoscopy Unit - Bronchoscopy

What is a Bronchoscopy?

Bronchoscopy is a procedure used to look inside the lungs' airways, called the bronchi and bronchioles. This procedure is usually done to find out the cause of a lung condition, such as a tumor or an infection. Sometimes it's done to treat a lung problem. Before the bronchoscopy you will receive medicine to numb your nose and throat and intravenous sedation will be given to make you sleepy. During the procedure, your doctor passes a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope through your nose (or sometimes your mouth), down your throat and into the airways. Your doctor may take samples of mucus or tissue from your lungs test in a lab. 
The examination requires that you have an empty stomach. You should not take in any food or fluids, or anything by mouth for 6 to 8 hours before the test. You also should arrange for someone to drive you home from the clinic or hospital.
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