What is Bronchoscopy?
Overview
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows doctors to look directly inside the airways — the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (the tubes leading to the lungs). A thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope is passed through the mouth or nose and down into the lungs.
In the ICU, bronchoscopy is commonly used to help diagnose lung infections, remove secretions blocking the airway, obtain samples for testing, or assist with airway management in patients on a breathing machine (ventilator).
Why is it needed in the ICU?
Diagnostic reasons
- Investigate lung infection or pneumonia
- Take tissue or fluid samples (biopsy)
- Look for bleeding inside the lungs
- Assess airway after injury or surgery
Treatment reasons
- Clear thick secretions or mucus plugs
- Remove a foreign object blocking the airway
- Help place or confirm breathing tube position
- Control bleeding within the airway
How is the procedure done?
Step by step
- Your loved one will be given sedation or anaesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and do not feel pain.
- If on a ventilator, the bronchoscope is passed through the breathing tube. Otherwise it is passed through the mouth or nose.
- The doctor guides the scope into the airways while watching on a video screen.
- Secretions are suctioned out, or samples are collected using tiny brushes or forceps.
- The bronchoscope is then gently removed. The entire procedure usually takes 15–30 minutes.
- Oxygen levels and heart rate are monitored closely throughout and afterwards.
After the procedure: Your loved one may cough more than usual for a short time, and their oxygen levels will be watched closely. If a sample was taken, results are usually available within 24–48 hours. The ICU team will discuss findings with you as soon as possible.
Risks and considerations
Known risks
- Temporary drop in oxygen levels during the procedure
- Minor bleeding at the biopsy site (usually stops on its own)
- Small risk of air leak in the lung (pneumothorax) if a sample is taken
- Mild sore throat or hoarseness afterwards
- Rare risk of infection or worsening of existing lung condition
The ICU team weighs these risks carefully against the benefit of the procedure before proceeding. If you have concerns, please speak with the treating doctor before giving consent.
Questions to ask the ICU team
- Why does my loved one need a bronchoscopy right now?
- What are you hoping to find or treat?
- How long will the results take?
- What happens if we do not proceed with the procedure?
- Who will be performing it and how experienced are they?