Flexible Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy
What is Flexible Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy?
Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is the direct visualization of the tracheobronchial tree using a flexible bronchoscope. This procedure allows the physician to diagnose, treat and document abnormalities through the use of inspection, biopsy, brush, lavage and needle aspiration. The bronchoscope may be passed through the nose, mouth or stoma.
Preparation for Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy
During Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy
Medication will be administered intravenously before the procedure to make you sleepy and relaxed. The medication will be monitored and adjusted during the procedure if needed. Also, your physician may order an intramuscular (IM) shot prior to the procedure.
You will be asked to gargle a small amount of "numbing" medication to numb the back of your throat, and an aerosol mask will be applied over your nose and mouth for approximately 15 minutes to numb the tracheal area. The mask will then be removed and supplemental oxygen will be applied by a nasal cannula.
After Flexible Bronchoscopy?
After the procedure, a chest X-ray may be taken, then you will be moved to the outpatient Recovery Room for observation. You will not be able to eat or drink until the gag reflex returns and the topical anesthetic has completely worn off.
You cannot drive home, as you will be drowsy. You physician will remind you that you are not to return to work, operate any machinery or drink alcohol following the exam.
Before you leave, the doctor will discuss the findings with you. The discharge nurse will give you written instructions to follow when you get home. If a specimen is taken, your physician will instruct you regarding how to obtain your results.
What is Flexible Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy?
Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is the direct visualization of the tracheobronchial tree using a flexible bronchoscope. This procedure allows the physician to diagnose, treat and document abnormalities through the use of inspection, biopsy, brush, lavage and needle aspiration. The bronchoscope may be passed through the nose, mouth or stoma.
Preparation for Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy
- Inform physician BEFORE the procedure of
- Heart or lung conditions
- Any other major diseases
- If you take aspirin, NSAIDS, arthritis or blood-thinning medication, please notify your physician. These medications may need to be stopped several days before the Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy.
- Women of childbearing age who may be pregnant.
- Please do not take anything by mouth after midnight.
- Please refrain from bringing valuables to the hospital.
- Please confirm your medications with your physician.
- Inform physician and the GI nurse to any known allergies.
- Be prepared to sign a consent form authorizing the doctor to perform the procedure.
- Remove eyeglasses prior to the procedure.
- Dentures may be removed prior to the procedure.
- You may prefer to remove contact lenses.
During Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy
Medication will be administered intravenously before the procedure to make you sleepy and relaxed. The medication will be monitored and adjusted during the procedure if needed. Also, your physician may order an intramuscular (IM) shot prior to the procedure.
You will be asked to gargle a small amount of "numbing" medication to numb the back of your throat, and an aerosol mask will be applied over your nose and mouth for approximately 15 minutes to numb the tracheal area. The mask will then be removed and supplemental oxygen will be applied by a nasal cannula.
After Flexible Bronchoscopy?
After the procedure, a chest X-ray may be taken, then you will be moved to the outpatient Recovery Room for observation. You will not be able to eat or drink until the gag reflex returns and the topical anesthetic has completely worn off.
You cannot drive home, as you will be drowsy. You physician will remind you that you are not to return to work, operate any machinery or drink alcohol following the exam.
Before you leave, the doctor will discuss the findings with you. The discharge nurse will give you written instructions to follow when you get home. If a specimen is taken, your physician will instruct you regarding how to obtain your results.
