What to Expect - Bronchoscopy Procedures
The Chest Clinic
What to Expect - Bronchoscopy Procedures
Bronchoscopy
This test is done to examine the airways (tubes) of your lungs. The doctor will use a hollow tube with a light and lens to check the inside of your lungs. This tube goes in through your mouth and down the tubes that lead to your lungs. This test will help to diagnose and treat certain lung problems. Your doctor has talked to you about the need for this test. Sometimes polyps (tiny growths) are removed during the test. You will be given instructions about eating and drinking before the test. You will get a medicine to numb your throat and to make you drowsy.
How to Prepare
Same Day surgery will contact you with instructions 1 to 2 days before your procedure. Same Day Surgery is located on the second floor at the South Entrance. You should arrive 1 1/2 hours prior to your procedure. Your health care provider may tell you to avoid aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, or blood thinners such as warfarin for a period of time before the procedure. Always check with your health care provider before changing or stopping any medications.
What to Expect
Shortly before the procedure a small intravenous (IV) will be placed into your hand or forearm. Using this IV, the doctor will administer sedative medication. Although sedated, you will be able to hear the doctor speak, swallow secretions and breath comfortably on your own. If a flexible bronchoscope is used, you will be awake. The doctor will spray a numbing drug (anesthetic) in your mouth and throat. This will cause coughing at first, which will stop as the anesthetic begins to work. When the area feels thick, it is numb enough. You may get medications through a vein (intravenously) to help you relax. You will be drowsy.
After this test You will be watched in a recovery room for a short length of time. It will take several hours before you will be able swallow liquids. Your throat may be slightly sore.
Endobronchial Ultrasound Bronchoscopy (EBUS)
Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is ultrasound combined with bronchoscopy. It is used to obtain images in and around the bronchial tree or the lungs. EBUS allows the physician to see beyond the bronchial wall, to the diseased tissue, lymph nodes and/or lesions outside of the bronchial airways. Therefore, it can be used in the diagnosis of lung cancer, infections and other diseases that cause enlarged lymph nodes in the chest, and to evaluate lesions which cause airway invasion. The greatest benefit of using EBUS for evaluating the central airway is that the patient can potentially avoid having to undergo a more invasive surgical procedure and can eliminate the need for additional phases of testing.
How to Prepare
Preoperative services will contact you with instructions 1 to 2 days before your procedure. Check-in at Same Day Surgery which is located on the second floor of Wentworth Douglass Hospital at the South Entrance. No food after midnight the night before. You should arrive 1 1/2 hours prior to your procedure. Your health care provider may tell you to avoid aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, or blood thinners such as warfarin for a period of time before the procedure. Always check with your health care provider before changing or stopping any medications.
What to Expect
Shortly before the procedure a small intravenous (IV) will be placed into your hand or forearm. EBUS is performed under local anesthesia therefore, you will be asleep for the entire procedure. The physician will first inspect your airways using a bronchoscope.
You will be watched in a recovery room for a short length of time. It will take several hours before you will be able swallow liquids. Your throat may be slightly sore. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you overnight.
Electromagnetic Navigational Bronchoscopy
The superDimension i·LogicTMSystem uses Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy (ENB) to provide minimally invasive access to lesions deep in the lungs as well as mediastinal lymph nodes. By extending the reach of conventional bronchoscopes, ENB bronchoscopy enables physicians to diagnose benign and malignant lung lesions enhancing treatment decisions and avoiding the need for higher-risk procedures.
Contact Us
Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
789 Central Avenue
Dover, New Hampshire 03820
Phone: (603) 742-5252
See All Locations