Bronchoscopy

Why do I need a bronchoscopy?

Your doctor will explain to you why you need this procedure however these are some of the common reasons:

• coughing up blood
• chest infections and ongoing cough
• abnormal scan or chest x-ray

Are there any alternatives?

Your doctor will talk through other options for you including breathing tests and other imaging of your lungs. Bronchoscopy, however, is a helpful test to do when these other investigations have not given us the answers.

What happens on the day?

A bronchoscopy is normally a day-case procedure which means that you can come in and go home on the same day. Please arrive at the appointment time stated on your letter. Your procedure will be carried out as near as possible to this time, however in order to ensure safe running of the list due to individual circumstances and emergency cases, there may be delays so please be patient with us.

Please do not bring any valuables with you.

Please do not wear any nail varnish, lipstick or jewellery (tongue and nose studs must be removed).

Please bring a contact number of a friend or relative.

If you take medication for your blood pressure, please make sure you take this as usual prior to

your procedure with small sips of water (at least two hours before)

Please remember to bring all of your medications with you on the day.

A nurse will check your details including medications with you. They will also perform some baseline observations.

A doctor will go over the procedure with you and answer any questions you may have. You will be asked to sign a consent form at this time.

In the procedure room

A cannula (a small needle) will be inserted into the back of your hand to allow us to give you some sedation before and during your procedure.

The doctor will spray the back of your throat with an anaesthetic spray to make it numb and put some anaesthetic jelly in your nostrils.

A clip will be attached to your finger to allow us to monitor your oxygen levels and heart rate. We also give you a small amount of oxygen via a tube placed in your nose.

Normally the camera will be inserted via your nose; however it can also be done via your mouth. During the procedure the doctor will spray more anaesthetic spray to your airways. This may make you cough, which is normal.

The whole procedure will take approximately 20 minutes.

After the procedure

You will be taken to the recovery area to rest and be monitored by nurses.

You will remain on oxygen for about one hour or until your oxygen levels have returned to normal.

You will not be able to eat or drink for about two hours after the test to allow the anaesthetic to wear off. After this you can eat and drink normally.

You will normally be allowed to go home approximately 2 hours after the test has finished. If you have had sedation it is essential that a responsible adult comes to pick you up and accompany you home via car or taxi. Public transport is not suitable. Please note the unit closes at 18:00. Your relative/friend should arrive no later than 17:30. 

Sedation can impair your reflexes and judgement for the next 24 hours. We therefore advise you to rest quietly with someone to look after you for the next 24 hours.

For 24 hours after your procedure you must not:

· Drive a car

· Operate any machinery

· Drink alcohol

· Sign any legally binding documents

· Supervise young children

When will I know the results of the test?

When people have sedation it can impair their memory therefore we tend not to discuss the findings of the test on the day. Any samples that were taken normally take at least one week (sometimes longer) to be analysed. The doctor who organised your test will receive the results of

your test and will contact you as required.

Are there any risks to having a bronchoscopy?

A bronchoscopy is generally considered a safe and well tolerated procedure; however as with any procedure there are some side effects/risks involved.

Common risks

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Infection/fever
• Breathlessness can occur after the procedure but usually settles before you go home
• Minor bleeding/coughing up blood

More serious but rare risks – these may mean that you need to stay in hospital overnight

• Major bleeding
• Lung collapse
• Side effects of sedation
• Death has been reported but is very uncommon (i.e. occurs in one in 10,000 patients)

Information for people who are on blood thinning medications

• Aspirin – can continue as normal
• Clopidogrel/ticagrelor/dipyridamole– must be stopped seven days before procedure
• Warfarin – must be stopped 5 days before procedure. We will arrange for you to have your INR checked beforehand to ensure it is back into normal range
• pixaban/Rivaroxaban/Edoxaban – must be stopped 48 hours before procedure

Occasionally if you have a more complex condition (for example a metallic heart valve) your doctor will advise you on what to do with your blood thinning medications.