What is a bronchoscopy?
This diagnostic tool is used to evaluate the airway and lungs.
Do I have to do anything special to prepare for the test?
After midnight, do not eat, drink or take any oral medications.
Consult your doctor if you take heart medication, insulin, Ferrous
Sulfate (iron), Coumadin, Lovenox, Plavix, Aggrenox and/or Aspirin.
Where and how is the procedure done?
The procedure will be performed at Phelps Memorial Health Center as an
outpatient. The morning of the procedure, go to the hospital and make
sure you have someone to drive you home. The nurse will start an IV so
Anesthesia can provide IV sedation for the procedure.
The doctor will insert a narrow flexible tube through the mouth or nose.
The fiberoptic scope illuminates the areas as it is passed through the
vocal cords, trachea and bronchi. Any abnormalities such as ulcers,
tumors, polyps, or lesions can be visualized and possibly biopsied. If
your doctor feels a biopsy is necessary, a small sample of tissue will
be taken at that time. Your blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen level
will be monitored before, during and after the procedure.
What happens after the procedure?
The doctor will discuss the results and any treatment needed. You will
be monitored until you are recovered from the sedation or allowed to
swallow without any difficulties.
If you have any questions about the procedure, contact your physician or
the outpatient surgery nurses 995-2903.
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