Rigid bronchoscopy is a typical procedure to diagnose and treat various disorders of the patient’s airway. This technique requires inpatient hospitalization and is done under general anesthesia. Pulmonologists or chest physicians use it to access the airway for inserting treatment instruments and cameras to diagnose cancers, infections, lymphomas, inflammatory conditions, etc. Rigid bronchoscopy is also used to treat airway obstruction, airway stenosis (narrowing), cancers, or removing foreign objects.
Alternate Name
Interventional bronchoscopy
Body Location
Airway (trachea and bronchi)
How is it Performed?
Rigid bronchoscopy is performed under sedatives and anesthesia to block the pain and sensation. The positioning of the patient should be supine with the head in intubation or sniffing position. The rigid bronchoscope, also known as open tube bronchoscope, is a rigid metal hollow tube used to provide air ventilation to the patient and access the airways. The bronchoscope has a video-assisted camera to help the doctor /surgeon take images of the airway and diagnose the problem. The treatment of various airway conditions such as obstruction, narrowing, etc., is carried out with the help of various advanced attachments to remove the dead or scar tissue, open the airways, etc.
Preparation
- Before rigid bronchoscopy, your doctor may recommend certain blood tests and a pre-anesthesia check-up (PAC): a chest X-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), and a physical examination to assess your suitability for the procedure.
- To avoid complications during the surgery, you should eat light food the day before surgery and fast for at least 6-8 hours before the surgery.
- Inform your doctor about all your medications, and you could be asked to discontinue blood-thinning medications.
- You should reach the hospital 2-4 hours before the procedure as you will be kept under observation for some time.
- Remove your dentures, eyeglasses, hearing aids, etc., before the procedure.
Procedure Type
Minimally invasive
Follow Up
Follow-up is a very crucial step of the treatment. You should complete your follow-ups as per the schedule to avoid the risk of any complications. Depending on the use of bronchoscopy for diagnosis or treatment, you need to take appropriate care at home. If bronchoscopy has been used for diagnostic purposes, further course of treatment will depend upon the severity of the condition and your overall health. In addition, you should take proper rest as recommended by your doctor and do not overexert yourself. Contact your doctor if you experience excessive shortness of breath, chest pain, bleeding, or fever.
Risks
Although rigid bronchoscopy is a safe and minimally invasive procedure, it can cause temporary side effects that will subside in a few days. These could include the following:
- Infections: There are chances of developing various infections such as pneumonia or other bacterial infections and associated fever.
- Pneumothorax: Rigid bronchoscopy could cause lung collapse, although it is rare.
- Additionally, rigid bronchoscopy could lead to minor bleeding episodes, shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, etc.
Recovery
Depending on the diagnostic or treatment use, you will be transferred to the recovery room after a few hours. Once your vital signs have stabilized, you will be shifted to the hospital room/ward. You will be discharged from the hospital the same day or within a couple of days.
The recovery from rigid bronchoscopy is quick, and you can start returning to your normal activities the same day or within a couple of days. As a precaution, avoid heavy-duty work for a few days that could stress your body.
Take your medications, including painkillers and antibiotics, as prescribed. If you experience unexplained pain, or any other side effects, seek medical attention.
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