Bronchoscopy Procedures

Bronchoscopy procedures allow the doctor to look inside the airways in the lungs through a thin viewing instrument called a bronchoscope. During a bronchoscopy procedure, the pulmonologist can take pictures to examine the child’s throat, larynx, trachea and lower airways.

The pulmonologist may also do a lavage, which involves putting a small amount of fluid into the airways that is then pulled out. The fluid contains cells from the airways of your lungs and can be tested to look for infection, gastroesophageal reflux disease and blood.

There are two types of bronchoscopy, a flexible bronchoscope and a rigid bronchoscope.

• A flexible fiber-optic bronchoscope uses a long, thin, lighted tube to look at the airway. The flexible fiber-optic tube is used more often than the rigid bronchoscope because it usually does not require general anesthesia, is more comfortable and offers a better view of the smaller airways. It also allows the doctor to biopsy and remove small samples of tissue.
• A rigid bronchoscope is usually done with general anesthesia and uses a straight, hollow metal tube. It is used when there is bleeding in the airway, to remove large tissue samples for biopsy, to clear the airway of objects and other special procedures, such as widening the airway or destroying a growth using a laser.

To prevent discomfort to your child, most scope tests are done using intravenous sedation and require special preparation. Miller Children’s Hospital has an excellent Sedation/Procedure Room with a care team who will explain any special preparation that will be necessary during the procedure for your child.