Bronchoscopy, also known as lung endoscopy, is used to diagnose and treat diseases of the respiratory tract. To do this, the doctor inserts a flexible or rigid endoscope, the bronchoscope, into the windpipe and bronchi. Flexible bronchoscopy is gentler on the patient. This is why this procedure has prevailed over rigid bronchoscopy, with the exception of a few special applications.
Here you will find further information as well as selected bronchoscopy specialists and centers.
Bronchoscopy, also known as lung endoscopy, is a modern routine procedure in pulmonology(lung medicine). It is used to examine the airways using a flexible tube or a rigid tube. The airways include the trachea and bronchi.
A bronchoscopy is primarily used to diagnose diseases of the respiratory tract. In addition, the doctor can also remove foreign bodies and tumors during the bronchoscopy.
The term bronchoscopy is misleading: the bronchoscope cannot be advanced into the fine airways of the lungs (bronchioles) and the alveoli.
The anatomy of the airways © bilderzwerg / Fotolia
Bronchoscopy is often used for
arranged. A camera on the bronchoscope allows the doctor to view the trachea and bronchi from the inside. This allows him to detect changes in the airways and treat them immediately if necessary. Green laser light is used for this - the video shows the treatment:
An overview of the possible uses of bronchoscopy:
A distinction is made between rigid bronchoscopy and flexible bronchoscopy.
Flexible bronchoscopy is performed using a flexible, movable endoscope. It adapts well to the anatomical situation. The procedure is relatively gentle and usually does not require general anesthesia. Most therapeutic and diagnostic procedures can now be performed with a flexible bronchoscope.
Rigid bronchoscopy, on the other hand, is somewhat more stressful. The tube is not flexible, but is a rigid tube with a slightly larger diameter. A general anesthetic is required for the procedure. Rigid bronchoscopy is therefore only used for certain applications.
For example, larger foreign bodies or tumors can be better removed using lasers and stents can be inserted more easily.
Normally, bronchoscopy can be performed on an outpatient basis. However, if the patient has severe concomitant illnesses or an increased risk of bleeding, they will be admitted as an inpatient.
Anaesthesia is not necessary as the airways are not sensitive to pain. However, light sedation or general anesthesia is necessary to suppress the urge to choke and cough.
The doctor then advances the bronchoscope via the mouth or nose through the windpipe into the large bronchi. At the tip of the bronchoscope is a camera that sends images of the airways to a monitor.
The bronchoscopy specialists can then use the images to assess the condition of the trachea and bronchi. If there are any abnormalities, they can insert very small forceps and other instruments through the bronchoscope. They use these to remove tissue samples or foreign bodies.
After the bronchoscopy, the patient must not eat or drink for around 2 hours. A bronchoscopy can take up to 30 minutes, depending on the type and objective.
Bronchoscopy has relatively few complications. The mechanical strain when inserting the bronchoscope can occasionally cause bleeding and a sore throat . This is particularly possible after taking tissue samples. Hoarseness and coughing may also occur.
Only very rarely does the doctor injure the larynx or cause a pneumothorax during the examination.
Bronchoscopy is not possible for patients in a poor general condition or with certain pre-existing conditions. In such cases, bronchoscopy specialists will carefully weigh up the risks and opportunities of this procedure.
Bronchoscopy specialists are often specialists in internal medicine with a focus on pulmonary and bronchial medicine.
Clinics for bronchoscopy are usually
