What bronchoscopy is

A bronchoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera and light at the tip. It is passed gently through the nose or mouth, past the voice box, into the windpipe and the airways of the lungs.

It lets the doctor:

  • Directly see the airways for inflammation, narrowing, blood, growths or foreign objects
  • Take samples — washings, brushings, or small biopsies for laboratory analysis
  • Remove obstructions — mucus plugs, blood clots, occasionally foreign bodies
  • Place stents in selected cases

When bronchoscopy is recommended

  • Unexplained chronic cough when other tests are inconclusive
  • Coughing up blood (haemoptysis)
  • An abnormal shadow on chest X-ray or CT scan
  • Suspected lung infection when sputum tests are negative
  • Suspected TB when sputum cannot be produced
  • Confirming or staging lung cancer
  • Persistent collapse of part of a lung

How safe is it?

Modern flexible bronchoscopy under conscious sedation is very safe. Major complications are rare (well under 1%). The most common minor effects are a sore throat or mild blood-streaked cough for a day. Pre-procedure assessment (blood tests, ECG, recent chest imaging, anaesthesia review) ensures suitability.

Step-by-step — what your day looks like

  1. Fasting — usually 6 hours before the procedure
  2. Arrival — change into a gown, IV line placed, vitals checked
  3. Local anaesthesia — a spray numbs the nose, throat and voice box
  4. Mild sedation — IV medication makes you drowsy and comfortable
  5. Procedure — the scope is gently passed; the actual examination usually takes 20–40 minutes
  6. Recovery — observation for 1–2 hours; no eating or drinking until throat sensation returns
  7. Discharge — same day; you'll need someone to drive you home
Have a bronchoscopy referral?

We perform video bronchoscopy on-site at Samarth Chest Hospital. Reports and biopsy slides are shared transparently with you and your referring doctor.

Book bronchoscopy

After the procedure — what to expect

  • Mild sore throat for 12–24 hours — soothed by warm fluids and salt-water gargle
  • Slight blood-tinged cough if a biopsy was taken — settles in a day
  • Mild grogginess from sedation — avoid driving and important decisions for 24 hours
  • Most patients resume normal work the next day

Possible complications (uncommon)

  • Brief drop in oxygen — managed with supplemental oxygen during the procedure
  • Bleeding — usually minor, controlled at the bedside
  • Fever within 24 hours — usually a reaction, not infection; settles with paracetamol
  • Pneumothorax (collapsed lung) after biopsy — rare, less than 1%; checked by post-procedure X-ray when indicated

How to prepare

  • Bring all recent chest X-rays, CT scans and reports
  • List all medicines, especially blood thinners (aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin) — some need to be paused
  • Inform the team about diabetes, heart conditions or allergies
  • Arrange an adult escort for the day
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing

Frequently Asked Questions

Is bronchoscopy painful?

No. The throat is numbed with a local anaesthetic spray and mild sedation is given. Most patients describe it as uncomfortable for a few seconds, not painful, and many remember little of the procedure.

How long does bronchoscopy take?

The examination itself usually takes 20–40 minutes. With preparation and recovery, plan for a 3–4 hour visit. It is a day-care procedure — you go home the same day.

When do I get the results?

Visual findings are discussed with you the same day. Microbiology and biopsy reports typically take 3–7 days depending on the tests requested.

Can I eat after bronchoscopy?

Wait 1–2 hours after the procedure until throat numbness wears off — eating before that risks aspiration. Start with sips of water, then soft food.

Is bronchoscopy available in Bharuch?

Yes. Samarth Chest Hospital performs video bronchoscopy on-site with full anaesthesia support and post-procedure observation. Bookings via WhatsApp or +91 90161 12968.