Bronchoscopy is a common procedure that allows pediatric pulmonologists to evaluate and provide treatment for conditions affecting a child’s airways, larynx and lungs.

A bronchoscope is a thin, flexible lighted tube with a camera that is inserted through the nose. This allows doctors to directly inspect the larynx (voice box), windpipe (trachea) and large and small airways to the lungs.

Bronchoscopy is used to detect breathing problems that include:

Airway blockages
Bleeding
Lung infections
Tumors

The bronchoscope can also provide treatment options such as:

Delivering oxygen and medicines
Removing secretions
Biopsy (testing tissue samples)
Laser Therapy

Although bronchoscopy is considered a safe procedure, potential complications include:

Nosebleed
Hypoxia (low oxygen level)
Fever within 24 hours after procedure
Cough one or two days after procedure
Spasms in the airways or vocal cords
Minor upper airway swelling, hoarseness and noisy breathing

If your child is in the hospital for any reason and also requires a bronchoscopy, the procedure can be performed as part of the hospital stay. If your child is not in the hospital, he or she can receive an outpatient bronchoscopy.

What to Expect

Your child will receive care from a team that includes a pulmonologist, an anesthesiologist, a respiratory therapist and a nurse.

The bronchoscopy procedure takes 25-50 minutes.
Your child will be asleep during the test. Bronchoscopy is usually performed under general anesthesia. Local anesthesia may also be used depending on your child's condition.
The pulmonologist, anesthesiologist and nurse or respiratory therapist will watch your child’s blood pressure, breathing, oxygen level and heart rate throughout the procedure.
Your child may drink water after the procedure, once the numbness in the throat goes away.

If your child will be undergoing an outpatient bronchoscopy test, you should arrive at least one and a half hours before the procedure. Be sure your child does not eat or drink anything for at least four to eight hours before the test. The surgery staff will call you a few days before the test with detailed fasting instructions that are based on your child's age and diet.

Key Points to Remember

Bronchoscopy is a common procedure that allows pediatric pulmonologists to evaluate and provide treatment for conditions affecting a child’s airways, larynx and lungs.
Bronchoscopy can be used to deliver oxygen and medicines, remove secretions, take tissue samples and perform laser therapy.
If your child is already in the hospital for any other reason or condition, he or she can receive a bronchoscopy as part of the hospital stay. If your child requires a bronchoscopy but is not in the hospital, he or she will receive an outpatient bronchoscopy and can usually return home the same day.
Anesthesia may be general or local, depending on your child’s condition.

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.