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Bronchoscopy and Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS):
This guide is designed to help you and your loved ones understand your upcoming procedure. It provides general information about what to expect from admission to discharge at Unitas Hospital, along with practical advice on recovery at home.
Why You May Need a Bronchoscopy or EBUS
A bronchoscopy is a procedure used to diagnose and sometimes treat conditions affecting the airways and lungs. It is commonly performed as an outpatient or day procedure.
Doctors may recommend a bronchoscopy for several reasons, including:
- Coughing up blood
- Persistent cough
- Abnormal chest X-ray or CT scan
- Post-lung transplantation assessment
- Diagnosis of lung infections, inflammatory conditions, or tumours
What Is a Bronchoscopy?
A bronchoscopy allows doctors to examine the inside of your lungs while you are under anaesthetic. A thin, flexible instrument called a bronchoscope is passed through your mouth, down the windpipe, and into the lungs.
Sometimes, the bronchoscope is fitted with specialised equipment like an endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), which helps guide the doctor in obtaining samples from precise locations in the lungs.
What Samples Might Be Taken?
Several types of samples may be collected during the procedure to help diagnose lung conditions, including infections, tumours, and other diseases.
Mild Complications
- Sore throat, fever, or mild sweating for up to 12 hours post-procedure
- Temporary drowsiness due to anaesthesia
- Slight bleeding from biopsy sites, leading to minor blood-stained phlegm
More Serious Complications
- Significant bleeding (less than 1 in 100 cases)
- Chest infection (indicated by yellow/green phlegm or worsened chest symptoms post-procedure; may require antibiotics)
- Lung puncture and collapse (pneumothorax): Rare, unless a transbronchial biopsy is performed. The risk in such cases is about 1 in 20 (5%). If this occurs, it may resolve on its own or require hospitalisation with a chest drain.
Rare and Very Serious Complications
- Severe lung collapse requiring intervention
- Death: Extremely rare (1 in 5000 cases), typically occurring in critically ill hospitalised patients
Your doctor will discuss these risks in detail and how they relate to your individual health condition.
Types of Sample Collection:
- Lung Washing (Lavage): Saline (salt water) is introduced into the airways and then suctioned out to collect cells from the lung lining.
- Brushing: A thin brush collects cells by scraping the airway lining.
- Biopsy: Tiny forceps take small tissue samples (2-3mm in diameter) from the lung.
- Fine Needle Aspiration: A fine needle extracts cells from lymph nodes near the airways.
All collected samples are preserved and sent to the laboratory for analysis.
Potential Risks of a Bronchoscopy
While bronchoscopy is a generally safe procedure, like any medical intervention, it carries some risks. These risks depend on the specific procedure being performed.
Benefits of a Bronchoscopy
Your chest specialist has recommended this procedure because the benefits outweigh the risks. The main advantages include:
- Obtaining a definitive diagnosis for better treatment planning
- Identifying lung infections, tumours, or other conditions
- Providing reassurance if no abnormalities are found
Every bronchoscopy is recommended with careful consideration of your best interests.
If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with your healthcare provider before the procedure.