What is a
bronchoscope?
A bronchoscope an instrument used during bronchoscopy. It is a
flexible tube with an eye piece or video screen. The instrument
allows the doctor to see the inside of the windpipe (trachea)and
smaller air passageways of the lungs. This procedure may be done at
the patient's bedside, in the respiratory laboratory, or in the
operating room. The patient receives sedation and pain medication
prior to the procedure and rarely recalls the procedure itself. The
doctor inserts the bronchoscope through the mouth or nose and into
the windpipe (trachea) and smaller air passageways of the lungs. If
a patient has a breathing tube in place, the bronchoscope can be
inserted through the breathing tube. With the use of the
bronchoscope, the doctor can assess a blockage of an air passageway,
infection or injury. Frequently, lung secretions or small pieces of
tissue from the trachea or lung are obtained (biopsy) and sent to
the laboratory to help diagnose the patient's respiratory condition.
Are there any potential complications
associated with use of a bronchoscope?
Complications associated with bronchoscopy, while rare, include a
temporary decrease in blood oxygen levels. This is protected against
by use of extra oxygen during the procedure. Rarely bronchoscopy can
cause a lung to collapse. If this happens, a chest tube may be
needed to re-expand the lung.
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Bronchoscope
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Bronchoscope 
