What is bronchoscopy?
Bronchoscopy is the name for the procedure performed to
evaluate 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 bronchoscopy?
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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Bronchoscopy 
