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A Bronchoscopy uses sophisticated flexible fiber optic instruments to explore the trachea, main stem bronchi and some of the small bronchi of the lungs. In children, this procedure may be used to remove foreign objects that have been inhaled. In adults, the procedure is most often used to take samples of suspicious lesions and for testing specific areas in the lung.

A lung specialist will spray a topical or local anesthetic in the patient's mouth and throat. Then a metal or stiff plastic tube about 6-inches long and curved on one end is inserted to hold the tongue out of the way. An anesthetic is injected through the tube, enabling it to run down the back of the throat, through the larynx, trachea, bronchial tubes, and into the lungs. This will cause coughing at first, which will stop as the anesthetic is increased. When the area feels "thick," it is sufficiently numb.

An anesthetic jelly will be inserted into one nostril. When it is numb, the scope will be inserted until it passes through the throat into the bronchus. The flexible tube is less than 1/2-inch wide and about 2-feet long. The outside end is connected to several bottles on a nearby table and has an eyepiece. Some of the bottles are connected to a small motor that suctions out and collects the fluids of the bronchi. Other fluids can be introduced to flush the area and collect cells that may be analyzed.

For your convenience, Presbyterian Healthcare is providing you the list of all surgeons who perform this procedure and have requested to be listed on this site. When making your selection, we encourage you to meet with the surgeon and inquire about training, number of procedures performed, etc. Its important that you choose the surgeon who makes you most comfortable. These physicians are independent practitioners and not employees of Presbyterian Healthcare.