Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy (FOB)

Fiber-optic bronchoscopy (FOB)

Bronchoscopy – endoscopic examination, which allows to analyze the upper and lower respiratory tracts (trachea, bronchi) and assess the condition of their mucous membranes using an optical device. Only the bronchoscopic examination method helps to fully visualize the inner surface of the bronchi.

The goal of bronchoscopy (FOB)

The goals of bronchoscopy at our center may be diagnostics or medical therapy.

For diagnostics, a fiber-optic bronchoscope is used - a device, the components of which are a flexible rod with mini-camera, control handle, manipulator for extracting foreign bodies and biopsy sampling.

Fiber-optic bronchoscopy (FOB) allows to:

• examine the bronchial mucosa
• identify pathological changes in the lungs and bronchi
• diagnose the causes of hemoptysis
• identify pathological changes and tumors in the bronchi and lungs
• make biopsy sampling.

Indications for bronchoscopy

Usually, bronchoscopy is prescribed by a pulmonologist to verify the diagnosis and assess the condition of the trachea and bronchial tree. Bronchoscopy is used in the Umit Center as an independent examination in case of suspected tumor formation, appearance of inflammatory processes, or as an additional one - to determine the nature of shadows detected on x-rays.

The procedure for bronchoscopy of the respiratory tract is indicated as a control and preventive examination after removal of a part of the bronchi or lung. Bronchoscopy is also prescribed based on the clinical performance to determine the appearance of:

• unmotivated cough
• labored respiration, shortness of breath
• purulent and bloody secretions from the respiratory tract.

How is bronchoscopy performed?

• Right before the procedure itself, the endoscopist will ask you to take a comfortable position.
• After that, anesthesia will be performed, which the anesthesiologist will discuss with you in advance and select modern drugs that will ensure a comfortable, safe and completely painless procedure in a 10-minute drug sleep. Within half an hour after the examination, you can return to your usual activities.

Preparation for bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is a procedure that requires preparation. Depending on the purpose (diagnosis or treatment), preliminary examinations may be included in the preparation process:

• Chest CT
• tests for HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B, C
• At the Umit Center, bronchoscopy is performed at any time of the day. Conditions that must be met before doing a bronchoscopy in the morning:
• clean your mouth as usual
• refuse from meals and drinks right before the procedure: it is better to have a light dinner in the evening no later than 09:00 p.m.

When performing the procedure in the daytime or in the evening, it is necessary to have the last meal at least 8 hours before bronchoscopy.