Flexible bronchoscopy is a common procedure used to determine the causes of abnormal chest x-rays and chest CAT scans. Bronchoscopy is combined with topical and intravenous anesthesia. With bronchoscopy, the physician can perform different kinds of biopsies, including lung biopsy and lymph node biopsy. Fluid can also be placed into the lung, then suctioned out to determine if infection exists.
Bronchoscopy is also helpful in the diagnosis of lung cancer or cancers that metastasize to the lung. If patients have narrowing of their trachea or bronchi, bronchoscopy can be helpful to diagnose the cause, as well as determine what treatments would be needed.
Why is it used?
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Bronchoscopy increases the reach of the physician to provide a diagnosis in patients with lung disease
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It is a minimally invasive procedure routinely done by pulmonary physicians
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Infections, cancers, inflammatory conditions, sarcoidosis, and lymphoma can all be diagnosed by bronchoscopy
Benefits of Flexible Bronchoscopy
- It uses state-of-the-art video technology, providing the physician with a crystal clear picture of the patient's airways
- It improves the ability to diagnose and treat airway disease and lung disease
- Flexible bronchoscopy uses sedation and offers the ability to obtain a diagnosis of lung disease and potential treatment via the bronchoscope
- It may reduce further unnecessary procedures and surgery