What is a bronchoscopy?
A bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure in which a tube with a tiny camera on
the end is inserted through the nose or mouth into the lungs. The procedure
provides a view of the airways of the lung and allows doctors to collect lung
fluids, or air tube samples by biopsy (a small pinch of tissue about the size
of the head of a pin), or airway cells recovered by brushing the air tube.
Topical or local anesthetic is sprayed in the mouth and throat. If the bronchoscopy is performed via the nose, an anesthetic jelly will be inserted into one nostril. Sedative medications are given to make the patient very sleepy throughout the procedure or put them to sleep. The scope is inserted through the numbed nostril until it passes through the throat into the trachea and bronchi. The bronchoscope is used to examine the airways of the lungs, samples of lung secretions are sent for laboratory analysis.
In certain circumstances, a salt water saline may be used to flush the area
and collect cells to be analyzed. In this procedure, called bronchoalveolar
lavage, up to 300 cc of saline (20 tablespoons) are instilled into the airway
after the bronchoscope has been advanced as far as possible and a small airway
is temporarily blocked by the scope. Bronchoalveolar lavage is performed to
obtain a sample of the cells, fluids, and other materials present in the
very small alveoli (air sacs).
To view a bronchoscopy, click on the image or select a video format below. Shift-click on a link to download the video.
- MPEG, 13.6MB(higher quality)
- MPEG, 3.5MB(smaller file, recommended for modems)
- RealVideo, 6.8MB (requires RealPlayer)
