A minimally-invasive procedure for patients with pulmonary ailments that allows examination of the trachea and lungs.
Most often performed by a pulmonologist to diagnose and treat airway and lung disease, to remove foreign objects or tumors, and to place airway stents.
You will not be allowed to eat or smoke for several hours before the procedure.
Upon registration, you will be taken to a pre-op bay. Your throat will be sprayed with a local anesthetic and intravenous sedation will be administered. During the procedure, the doctor will pass a bronchoscope through your nose or mouth and into your lungs. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.
Upon waking in a recovery bay, you won't have any recollection of the procedure and might feel a little 'foggy' from the sedative. It's mandatory that a companion be available to drive you home. Your throat may feel a little sore and you have may have trouble swallowing for a little while. You may cough up small amounts of blood for a couple of days.
For more information or to be referred to one of our doctors, contact us at (713) 232-4373.