All You Need To Know About Bronchoscopy
A bronchoscopy procedure is done to allow the doctor to have a look at the patient’s throat, trachea, larynx, and lower airways by using a device known as a bronchoscope. It is performed to either diagnose or treat a wide range of lung conditions and problems and is performed by a lung specialist – pulmonologist or thoracic surgeon. It can also be used to remove a small sample of tissue from those areas, known as a biopsy.
How much does a Bronchoscopy cost in India?
The average cost of bronchoscopy in India is usually between Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 10,000. However, the prices may vary depending upon the hospitals in different cities.
What is the average cost of Bronchoscopy in Hyderabad?
The cost of bronchoscopy in Hyderabad depends upon multiple factors and ranges from Rs. 5,525 to Rs.5,950.
Diagnosis & Procedures For Bronchoscopy
- Flexible bronchoscopy: In this procedure, a thin, long tube is used to see the airway. A flexible bronchoscope is preferred over a rigid bronchoscope since there is no need for general anesthesia.
- Rigid bronchoscopy: In this type, a straight, hollow metal tube is used and requires general anesthesia.
Bronchoscopy is commonly used for the diagnosis and treatment of the following conditions:
- Continuous cough in a patient without a possible explanation
- Presence of blood in the phlegm or while discharging mucus
- X-ray showing unexplained nodules, mass or inflammation in the lungs
- In cases where a lung infection is seen after evaluation
- Removal of foreign bodies from the airway passage
- To open a blockage in the airway caused due to a tumor or other mass by using a stentÂ
- To remove unnatural growth blocking the airway such as a tumor, mass or other growths
Apart from the above conditions, bronchoscopy is also performed to get tissue specimens to diagnose lung disorders and for the treatment of diseases such as asthma and emphysema. Furthermore, it is also used in the treatment of air leaks in the lungs caused by surgery.
Procedure
- The doctor usually gives a medication such as a sedative to relax the airways and reduce throat irritation and coughing before the procedure.
- Additional medications are administered through an IV needle.
- The patient is connected to a heart and blood pressure monitor and is given extra oxygen during the examination.Â
- A thin bronchoscope tube is then inserted either through the nose or mouth into the throat. This pipe passes through the vocal cords into the windpipe and finally reaches the lungs.
- During the procedure, if any abnormality is seen and samples are required, it is collected through the below-mentioned methods:
- Washing: In this procedure, saline is injected through the tube into the affected area and the fluid is then sucked back. This is repeated several times to get the right amount of samples.
- Needle Aspiration: It is done by inserting a small needle into the airway and also through the airway walls to get samples for analysis.
- Forceps Biopsy: In this process, a forceps is used to obtain biopsy samples from lesions in the airway or lungs.
What is the Bronchoscopy cost at Yashoda Hospitals?
At Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, our expert team of pulmonologists, physicians, and technicians ensure the most accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment procedures for all our patients. We offer world-class facilities such as 3D virtual bronchoscopy, flexible and rigid bronchoscopy at our premises which has made us one of the best hospitals in India. We are one of the best Bronchoscopy hospital in Hyderabad. To know more about the cost of Bronchoscopy. Click on enquire now.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bronchoscopy
When is a bronchoscopy recommended, and who might need it?
A bronchoscopy is a procedure used to diagnose and treat lung issues. It’s often recommended for unexplained or persistent coughs, coughing up blood, lung infections, abnormal chest X-rays, inhalation of toxic substances, or foreign objects in the airway. It can also be used to biopsy lymph nodes or treat conditions like blocked airways, fluid drainage, abscesses, and cancer.
What are the possible risks or complications associated with bronchoscopy?
Bronchoscopy is generally safe but carries some risks. Possible complications include minor bleeding (especially if a biopsy is taken), pneumothorax (collapsed lung), fever, infection, cardiac arrhythmias (particularly in those with heart disease), and vocal cord irritation. You should seek emergency care if you experience sudden shortness of breath, coughing up blood, or severe chest pain after the procedure.
How should a patient prepare before undergoing a bronchoscopy?
To prepare for a bronchoscopy, you should fast for 6 to 12 hours, stop taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin or ibuprofen, and arrange transportation as you won’t be able to drive afterward. Plan to rest the following day and organize help with tasks. Take a shower, remove jewelry, piercings, and contact lenses, and ensure your doctor has a copy of your advance care plan. Lastly, discuss any potential risks of the procedure with your provider.
What happens during a bronchoscopy, and what should the patient expect?
During a bronchoscopy, a thin, flexible tube with a camera (bronchoscope) is inserted through the nose or mouth into the lungs to examine the airways and collect tissue samples if needed. The procedure typically takes about 30 minutes under sedation or anesthesia. Patients may feel mild discomfort, but breathing is not affected. Afterward, expect a sore throat or hoarseness. and you’ll need to rest for a few hours. Eating or drinking is restricted until your throat is no longer number.
What should a patient expect after the bronchoscopy is completed?
After a bronchoscopy, patients are monitored for several hours. The mouth and throat may be numb, so eating or drinking should be avoided until the numbness subsides. If sedation was used, drowsiness may occur, and driving should be avoided. A low-grade fever or minor bleeding, especially after a biopsy, is common. If the fever lasts more than 24 hours or exceeds 101°F, contact your doctor.
What are the latest advancements in bronchoscopy technology and techniques?
Bronchoscopy technology has advanced significantly with techniques like Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy (ENB), which uses CT scans and electromagnetic fields to guide procedures, and Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy (RAB) for reaching difficult lesions. High-resolution imaging methods, such as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and cone-beam CT, have improved diagnostics. Transbronchial Cryobiopsy (TBCB) is now a safer alternative to surgical biopsies. Other innovations include Targeted Lung Denervation (TLD), endobronchial valves to stop air leaks, stents, bronchial thermoplasty for asthma, and new methods for removing aspergilloma and accessing lung lesions.
