Bronchoscopy is a procedure performed in of Pulmonary Associates’ affiliated hospitals in Las Vegas. The procedure is used to look inside the lungs’ airways, called the bronchi and bronchioles. The airways carry air from the trachea , or windpipe, to the lungs.
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 your airways. If you have a breathing tube, the bronchoscope can be passed through the tube to your airways.
The bronchoscope has a light and small camera that allow your doctor to see your windpipe and airways and take pictures. You’ll be given medicine to make you relaxed and sleepy during the procedure.
If you are scheduled for a bronchoscopy, please note the following instructions:
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You must arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. If you do not have a responsible driver to take you home, the procedure will be cancelled. You should plan to be in the recovery room for about 2 hours after the procedure.
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Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the bronchospcopy.
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If you take over-the-counter medications (such as aspirin) or prescription medications such as blood thinners, please tell your physician. You may be asked to refrain from taking the medications before the procedure. Take any of your routine morning medications with you to the hospital; you will be able to take them after the procedure.
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Plan to arrive at the hospital at least 1 hour before the scheduled time of the procedure.
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You will have an IV started for administering certain medications.
You can read more about bronchoscopy, including the indications and risks of the procedure at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov.
