Bronchoscopy | Medical Time

Bronchoscopy - a precise examination of the lungs

Bronchoscopy is a highly specialized endoscopic method that allows direct insight into the inside of your airways and lungs.

The procedure is performed using a bronchoscope, a thin and flexible tube with a camera that transmits a high-resolution image to a monitor.

Thanks to this technology, doctors can detect changes that are not visible on a standard X-ray.

At Medical Time Hospital in Belgrade, bronchoscopy is performed by a team of experienced pulmonologists with the highest standards of safety and comfort.

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When is bronchoscopy recommended?

In the presence of persistent and chronic cough, the cause of which has not been determined by other diagnostic methods.

In cases of coughing up blood (haemoptysis), in order to quickly and accurately detect the source of the bleeding.

When an X-ray or lung scan shows suspicious shadows, nodules or tumors that should be investigated.

For diagnosing chronic and severe lung infections or specific inflammatory processes in the tissue.

For taking tissue samples (biopsies) for further pathohistological and microbiological analysis in the laboratory.

For therapeutic purposes, to remove foreign bodies, secretions or open narrowed airways.

How to prepare for the procedure?

Adequate preparation is crucial for the safety and success of the intervention. The patient must be informed in detail about the steps.

The basic rule is not to consume food and drink at least 6 to 8 hours before your bronchoscopy appointment.

The doctor will analyze your regular therapy. Certain medications, especially blood thinners, must be temporarily discontinued.

It is recommended that you come to the examination accompanied by a close person, especially if the procedure is performed under analgosedation conditions.

Before the intervention itself, an EKG recording and checking of basic vital parameters will be performed to ensure your stability.

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The course of performing bronchoscopy

The procedure begins with the application of a local anesthetic spray that is sprayed into the throat to suppress the cough reflex and facilitate the introduction of the instrument.

Depending on the doctor's assessment and the patient's wishes, the intervention can also be performed under short-term intravenous analgosedation for greater comfort.

The doctor carefully inserts the flexible bronchoscope through the nose or mouth, slowly passing through the vocal cords all the way to the lower airways.

The camera on the top of the device continuously transmits a detailed picture of the inside of the lungs, allowing the doctor to notice even the smallest changes.

If necessary, tiny instruments are passed through a special channel on the bronchoscope to take a tissue sample, which is completely painless.

Recovery and recommendations after examination

The intervention itself takes a relatively short time, between 15 and 30 minutes, and the recovery is quick and passes without serious complications.

After the procedure, you remain under medical supervision for about an hour, until the effect of the local anesthesia in your throat wears off.

It is normal to experience mild throat irritation, dryness, hoarseness or a mild cough, which resolves spontaneously within 24 hours.

You must not eat or drink for at least two hours after the intervention, in order to avoid choking due to the numbness of the mucous membrane of the pharynx.

Why is this diagnostic important?

It enables superior visualization with direct insight into the condition of the mucous membrane and the structure of the bronchial tree with high resolution.

It provides the possibility of safely taking biopsy material for fast and accurate pathohistological diagnosis of malignant diseases.

The procedure is minimally invasive, meaning it does not require any surgical incisions and carries minimal risk to the patient.

It provides valuable information for the early detection of lung cancer, well before the changes become clinically manifest.

It combines diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, allowing the doctor to react immediately on the spot if necessary.

The speed of performance and recovery allow the patient to return to his regular activities very quickly with the prescribed measures.

Frequently asked questions about bronchoscopy

Is bronchoscopy a painful intervention?

The procedure itself is not painful, but it can be slightly uncomfortable and cause the urge to cough. Local anesthetic significantly alleviates these sensations, and the application of sedation makes the procedure completely comfortable.

How long does the examination itself take?

The intervention lasts on average between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on whether a visual examination is performed exclusively or a tissue biopsy is performed for additional analyses.

Can I drive a car by myself after the procedure?

If you performed the procedure with the use of sedation (relaxation drugs), it is strictly forbidden to drive motor vehicles for the next 24 hours, which is why the presence of a companion is mandatory.

How long is the wait for biopsy results?

The preliminary results of the visual examination are announced by the doctor immediately. If a tissue sample is taken, the pathohistological findings are usually ready within 5 to 7 working days.

Are there risks and complications?

Bronchoscopy is a very safe procedure when performed by an expert team. Complications are extremely rare and may include minor bleeding at the biopsy site or transient fever.