What is Bronchoscopy?

Bronchoscopy is a procedure done by Pulmonologists and Thoracic Surgeons. This procedure is done under sedation in a special area of the hospital or outpatient procedure suite. While the patient is sedated, a small, flexible tube is advanced through the nose or mouth into the windpipe (trachea). All of the visible branches of the windpipe (airways, or bronchi) are examined, and biopsies of any abnormalities are performed. Sometimes biopsies of lung tumors are performed, and occasionally lymph node biopsies are done. The patient may return home on the same day of the procedure. Coughing up small amounts of blood for a few days after the procedure is not unusual.