BronchialScopy, Anyone ever had one?????? - Asthma Message Board

DedeMN · 12-17-2002, 04:13 PM

I was asking my doc about a BronchialScopy to see what in the world is causing all this pain in my lung, mainly the right one and right near the center where the Bronchial tube is, it's hard to explain unless you feel it. But I was wondering what are the risks and if anyone had it done and how did it come out?

Thanks
Dede

wrin · 12-19-2002, 10:53 AM

Bronchoscopies are usually done as a last resort to figure out what's going on as it's the most invasive of diagnostic techniques.

I have never had one. I have watched. I have seen what they entail, that's all.

It's the favourite method of definitive diagnosis for lung cancer because they can take biopsies of the tumor and surrounding lymph nodes.

They fill you full of some kind of tranquilizer (usually Valium) and then do a bronchoscopy. You're awake for the procedure. They insert a bite-block and thread the bronchoscope down through your mouth (usually, though there are certain bronchoscopes designed to look into the sinuses. They're called rhinoscopes.)

They can take biopsies with tiny alligator clips, biopsy brushes, needles for withdrawing fluid sampling, and by instilling volumes of fluid to suction out for washes.

If they find something interesting, they can also record what they see on video, and take pictures.