Bronchoscopy is a procedure used to examine the trachea and bronchi—the main breathing passages leading into the lungs. It can help investigate abnormal findings, obtain tissue or cell samples and, in selected cases, treat problems affecting the airways.
Most examinations use a thin, flexible bronchoscope passed through the nose or mouth. A rigid bronchoscope may be used under general anesthesia when a larger airway needs treatment, a larger sample is required or significant bleeding or blockage must be managed.
Role in Cancer Care
What to Expect
Before the Test
You will receive instructions about when to stop eating and drinking; the required fasting period depends on the planned sedation or anesthesia. Tell the clinical team about:
All medicines and supplements you take, particularly anticoagulants and antiplatelet medicines
Diabetes, bleeding disorders, heart or lung conditions and any oxygen requirements
Allergies or previous reactions to sedatives, anesthetics or medicines
Pregnancy or the possibility of pregnancy
Dentures, removable dental work or loose teeth
Do not stop prescribed medicines unless your clinical team instructs you to do so. Blood tests, breathing assessments or recent imaging may be reviewed before the procedure. If you will receive sedation or general anesthesia, arrange for a responsible adult to take you home and follow the instructions about supervision afterwards.
During the Test
Most diagnostic bronchoscopies are performed using a flexible bronchoscope. Local anesthetic is applied to the nose, mouth or throat, and a sedative may be given through a vein; oxygen levels, heart rate and blood pressure are monitored throughout.
The bronchoscope does not usually prevent breathing, although coughing, pressure or a temporary sensation of breathlessness may occur. The doctor may introduce saline to collect cells, brush an abnormal area or take one or more biopsies. The procedure commonly takes approximately 20–60 minutes, although the duration depends on the examinations and treatments required.
Rigid bronchoscopy is performed under general anesthesia and is generally reserved for selected biopsies or treatments involving larger airway tumours, obstruction or bleeding.
After the Test
You will be monitored until the sedation has worn off. Do not eat or drink until the throat numbness has resolved and the clinical team confirms that swallowing is safe. A temporary sore throat, hoarse voice, cough or small amount of blood-streaked phlegm may occur, particularly after a biopsy.
If you received sedation, do not drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, make important decisions or sign legal documents for the period specified by your clinical team. A chest X-ray may be required after certain lung biopsies to check for an air leak around the lung.
The doctor may discuss what was seen shortly after the procedure. Laboratory results from washings, brushings or biopsies take longer and will be reviewed with you when available.
Seek urgent medical advice if you experience:
Increasing or severe breathlessness
Chest pain
Persistent fever or feeling increasingly unwell
Heavy or persistent bleeding, or more than a small amount of blood when coughing
Fainting, confusion or any rapidly worsening symptoms
Potential Benefits
- Direct Visualisation: It allows the doctor to examine the trachea and bronchi directly.
- Targeted Sampling: It enables the collection of cells, fluid and tissue from selected areas.
- Diagnostic Confirmation: Samples collected during bronchoscopy can help confirm the cancer type through laboratory analysis.
- Airway Assessment: It can identify tumour-related airway narrowing, blockage or bleeding.
- Treatment Planning: Its findings can support decisions about surgery, radiotherapy and other treatments.
- Symptom Relief: Selected airway obstructions or bleeding may be treated during the same procedure.
- Minimally Invasive: It accesses the airways through the nose or mouth without requiring a surgical incision.
- Guided Access: It can be combined with specialised guidance techniques to investigate selected abnormalities deeper in the lungs.
