Rigid bronchoscopy is a minimally-invasive procedure where a doctor or surgeon inserts a rigid (inflexible) bronchoscope, which is a tube attached to a light and camera, into the respiratory airways through the mouth and throat, leading down to the lungs. The camera is hooked up to a monitor, allowing the doctor to see inside the lungs.
While flexible bronchoscopes are mainly used for evaluation and biopsy, rigid bronchoscopes have the added benefit of establishing and maintaining airway control in serious lung conditions such as acute upper airway obstruction.
The bronchoscopy procedure helps doctors get a clear and detailed view of the lungs and airways so that they can diagnose several lung diseases and infections such as lung cancer and tuberculosis.
It can also be used to treat certain lung problems and perform procedures such as:
You may feel a bit groggy after the procedure, so you will be monitored for a few hours to ensure that you recover well. A chest x-ray might be performed after the bronchoscopy to ensure that no damage was done to your lungs.
Your throat might still feel numb from the numbing medicine so you will not be allowed to eat or drink until you recover. Your respiratory specialist will advise you on when you may return to your normal activities and diet.
You may be recommended to undergo a rigid bronchoscopy if you are experiencing the following:
Before the procedure, you must avoid eating and drinking for 6-12 hours and you may be required to stop certain medications such as blood thinners and aspirin. General anaesthesia will be used during the procedure.
There are minimal to no risks or complications involved in a rigid bronchoscopy, however, if they do occur, this is what to look out for:
If you experience any side effects after this procedure that are causing pain or concern, contact your doctor immediately.
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that uses a bronchoscope to view the airways and diagnose lung disease or problems. It can also be used for the treatment of some lung conditions or to remove blockages.
Typically, patients are put under general anaesthesia during a bronchoscopy treatment. If they aren’t, numbing spray or local anaesthesia will be applied to the throat to eliminate pain and discomfort during the procedure.