This information leaflet is to help you understand what to expect from having a bronchoscopy. Please do ask your doctors and specialist nurses if you have any further questions.
What is a Bronchoscopy?
A bronchoscopy is a day case procedure which inspects the airways in your lungs. A flexible camera is passed via your nose or mouth into the back of the throat and then into the airways. A bronchoscopy enables the doctor to take samples from your airways if needed.
How do I need to prepare for the test?
Do not have anything to eat or drink for 4 hours before the test. Your doctor and specialist nurses will advise you if you need to stop any medications before the test. We usually offer sedation for the test for your comfort, so you will need a responsible adult to collect you from the hospital after the test and stay with you at home overnight following the bronchoscopy. The test can also be done without sedation so if you would prefer this option, let the doctors and nurses know in clinic and also when you arrive for the test.
What will happen during the test?
The test will take on average around 20 minutes. Before the bronchoscopy starts, local anaesthetic will be sprayed at the back of your throat. Next, if you have chosen to have sedation, this will be given by injection. The camera will then go via your mouth or nose towards your throat and then into the airways. To reduce cough and maintain comfort during the procedure, more local anaesthetic will be sprayed using the camera as it passes towards your throat and then into your airways. The doctor can also give more sedation injections during the test if necessary.
What will happen after the test?
You will be monitored in recovery for 1-2 hours until your nurse is sure that it is safe for you to leave the hospital. You will be advised not to eat or drink for 2 hours after the test, which gives enough time for the local anaesthetic in your throat to wear off. If you receive sedation for the test, we advise you not to drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol or make important decisions (e.g., signing important legal documents) for 24 hours after this test.
Are there any risks with the test?
Bronchoscopy is a safe test. You will mainly notice a cough during the procedure and any bleeding that occurs from taking samples is usually minor but if necessary, it can be treated with medication sprayed by the camera into your airways. Any life threatening complications (including death) with bronchoscopy are extremely rare, and are estimated to occur at a frequency of less than 1 in 1000.
When will I get the test results?
Depending on why you need the bronchoscopy and if any samples are taken during the test, we would normally arrange for you to come back to the lung clinic the following week for the results. Your doctor, nurse or one of our secretaries will confirm when your next clinic appointment is.
Contact details
If you have any further questions about your test, you can contact
- Lung specialist Nurses: 0191 445 2881
- Respiratory secretaries: 0191 445 2182/445 6030
- Endoscopy unit: 0191 445 2586
