The bronchoscopy that has been recommended is a way of determining if there are any lung abnormalities. The physician will be using a lighted flexible instrument to look at all areas of the lungs. They will obtain specimens and biopsies for laboratory analysis to help diagnose any lung condition that may be present. This test takes approximately 5 hours. Please bring a driver to take you home after the procedure.

WHAT HAPPENS BEFORE THE PROCEDURE?

You are asked not to eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the bronchoscopy, or as otherwise instructed. If you are having the procedure as an outpatient, please register at the Outpatient Registration on the first floor of the main hospital (Greenlawn) at the time designated.

After registration, you will go to the Special Studies holding area on the third floor. A nurse will ask you to sign a form giving your consent for the procedure and any other steps found necessary during the bronchoscopy. Before your procedure, an IV may be started so that medication can be easily given during the bronchoscopy. You will be escorted to the bronchoscopy room one half hour prior to the procedure’s start time. Members of your family will be asked to wait in a designated waiting area.

The bronchoscopy room has an x-ray machine, a heart monitor, an oxygen monitor and a blood pressure monitor. There, a specialist called respiratory therapist will explain the procedure and will assist the doctor with the bronchoscopy. You are encouraged to ask any questions that will help you understand what is about to happen. You will be asked to remove glasses, all jewelry, dentures or other dental appliances. Next, you will be given a breathing treatment that contains a local anesthetic called Xylocaine to numb the airways and make you more comfortable. When the doctor arrives, you will be given Versed in your I.V. to help you relax and sleep. The bronchoscope is guided through your nose and into your lungs by your doctor.

Afterwards, the respiratory therapist will take you back to your room or to the Outpatient Recovery Area on the 3^rd floor. Sometimes a chest x-ray is ordered after the bronchoscopy. You will be monitored until the anesthesia has worn off, which usually takes about two hours. You cannot eat or drink during this time. Your throat may hurt slightly after the procedure and it is not uncommon for a patient to cough up some blood. Increased shortness of breath or large amounts of fresh blood coughed up should be reported to your nurse. The results of the bronchoscopy will be shared with you by your doctor.

McLaren-Greater Lansing, in conjunction with pulmonary physicians, now offers the newest techniques with bronchoscopy. The procedures are referred to as Cryotherapy, Argon Therapy and Electrocautery Therapy.

These specialized procedures are indicated for specific airway conditions. Your physician may discuss these options with you.

If you have any additional questions regarding this procedure, call the doctor who is performing this test, or call the Pulmonary Laboratory at (517) 975-7041.