BRONCHOSCOPY
You are scheduled for a Bronchoscopy, a visual examination of the trachea (windpipe) and the bronchi (airway leading into the lungs). The procedure is used to diagnose problems, remove and biopsy growths, and remove secretions blocking the bronchi. We use a flexible fiber optic bronchoscope to perform the procedure.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR IT
Avoid eating or drinking anything after midnight the night before your procedure. This includes water, coffee, and tea. You can take your Blood pressure or Heart medications with a little sip of water. Do not take your Diabetes medications or Insulin on the day of the procedure.
On the day of the procedure, bring your current medications.
Dress in comfortable clothes and leave your jewelry and other valuables at home.
Have a ride available to take you home. You will not be able to drive that day.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Tell us about any medications you are taking, especially Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Arthritis medications, Blood thinners such as Coumadin, Warfarin, Pradaxa or Insulin. You need to stop taking Aspirin, Arthritis medications, and Blood thinners 5 days before the procedure.
THE PROCEDURE
Before the procedure, sedation will be given through an IV line to relax you. Your throat will be sprayed with local anesthetic agent. During the exam, the bronchoscope will be inserted through your mouth or nose into your throat and into your trachea and bronchi.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
The examination takes 30 minutes to an hour. Afterwards, you
will spend approximately one hour in the recovery area. You will be monitored
carefully while anesthesia wears off.
You will probably have a sore throat and hoarseness for awhile. You may also
have a cough. If you had a biopsy, your saliva may have some blood in it. These
symptoms are normal and should disappear in one to two days. Your doctor will
explain the results soon after the exam and arrange for a follow up visit in a
few days. Most patients can resume their usual activities after 24 hours unless
the doctor instructs them otherwise.
Because of anesthesia, you should not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, or make major decisions for 24 hours after the procedure.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS AFTER THE PROCEDURE
If you develop a fever higher than 100˚ Fahrenheit, take Tylenol
every 4-6 hours as needed. If your fever lasts longer than 24 hours, call your
physician.
If you have a sore throat, take throat lozenges as needed. If you have any of
the following, go to the nearest emergency room:
Difficulty breathing
Coughing up blood
Chest pain or discomfort