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Bronchoscopy

Test Overview

Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look at your airway through a thin viewing device called a bronchoscope. During a bronchoscopy, your doctor will examine your throat, larynx, trachea, and lower airways.

This procedure may be done to diagnose problems with the airway, the lungs, or the lymph nodes in the chest. It may also be done to treat problems such as an object or growth in the airway.

There are two types of bronchoscopy.

Flexible bronchoscopy.

It uses a long, thin, lighted tube to look at your airway. The flexible bronchoscope is used more often than the rigid bronchoscope. That’s because it usually does not require general anesthesia, is more comfortable for the person, and offers a better view of the smaller airways. It also allows the doctor to remove small samples of tissue (biopsy).

Rigid bronchoscopy.

It’s usually done with general anesthesia and uses a straight, hollow metal tube. It is used:

  • When there is bleeding in the airway that could block the flexible scope’s view.
  • To remove large tissue samples for biopsy.
  • To clear the airway of objects (such as a piece of food) that can’t be removed with a flexible bronchoscope.

Special procedures, such as widening (dilating) the airway or destroying a growth using a laser, are usually done with a rigid bronchoscope.

Bronchoscopy (say "bron-KOSS-koh-pee") is a type of procedure where your doctor uses a thin flexible tube to look at your airways and lungs. This tube is called a bronchoscope. It is inserted through the nose. It lets your doctor see your throat, larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), and bronchial tubes.
The voice box (larynx) is located in the neck, just above the windpipe (trachea). The two vocal cords in the larynx are covered with a mucous membrane. When air passes through the vocal cords, they vibrate and produce sound.
The upper respiratory tract (upper airway) consists of the nose, mouth, sinuses, pharynx (upper section of the throat), and larynx (voice box). The lower respiratory tract consists of the trachea (windpipe), bronchial tubes, and lungs. The bronchial tubes carry air into the lungs and branch into smaller and smaller bronchioles. These end in alveoli (air sacs). The main function of the respiratory system is to supply the blood with oxygen so the blood can deliver oxygen to all parts of the body. The respiratory system does this through breathing.