| 
Bronchoscopy
A Guide for Patients
This guide is for patients who are going to have
a bronchoscopy. It answers some of the most commonly
asked questions. If you have additional questions,
talk to your doctor or nurse for more information.
WHAT IS A BRONCHOSCOPY
A bronchoscopy is a procedure involving the use
of a bronchoscope, a lighted, flexible tube about
the thickness of a pencil. The doctor will pass the
tube through your nose or sometimes your mouth, into
the airways of your lungs. The procedure allows examination
of the airways for abnormalities. The tube may cause
a slight discomfort to your nose and throat and may
cause coughing. The doctor may obtain specimens for
laboratory study. This procedure will provide your
doctor with information to help decide on the best
treatment plan for you.
PLANNING FOR YOUR PROCEDURE
The procedure will take about 30-90 minutes, but
expect the visit to the Medical Procedures Unit (MPU)
to last two to four hours to allow for preparation
and recovery.
Special information for patients with diabetes
If you take oral diabetes medications (pills): Do not take the medication the morning of your test. Bring your diabetes medication with you. Please refer to the handout, "Instructions
for Patients with Diabetes Having Outpatient Procedures/Tests"
If you have diabetes and take insulin, request an
early morning appointment. On the morning of your
test, do not take any Regular or Humalog insulin.
Take only one-half of your usual doses of Lente,
NPH or Novolin 70/30 insulin. Please review the handout "Instructions
for Patients with Diabetes Having Outpatient Procedures/Tests"
PROCEDURE DETAILS
In the reception area you will answer questions
about your health history, current medicines and
allergies. The nurse will review the consent form.
After you change into a hospital gown, a nurse will
start an intravenous line (IV). The IV is used to
give you medication to make you more comfortable
during the procedure. The procedure is performed
in a room specially designed for bronchoscopy procedures.
Equipment that will help the nurse and doctor monitor
your heartbeat and breathing will be connected to
you. Your nose and throat will be numbed with a spray
and you will be sedated before the doctor passes
the tube through your nose into the airway. You will
be able to breathe normally during the test. Medication
will be given through the bronchoscope to numb the
airways as the doctor examines them. There usually
is no pain associated with this test, even if a biopsy
is done.
Potential complications
Complications are extremely rare. However, there
are potential complications associated with all medical
procedures. These will be explained to you at the
time you sign your consent for the procedure.
Your doctor
A doctor specially trained in bronchoscopy will
perform the procedure. The doctor who ordered your
procedure will make decisions regarding your plan
of care.
RECOVERY
After your procedure you will be taken to the recovery
area. One adult person may join there, if you wish.
Your doctor may order a chest x-ray for you after
your procedure before you go home. When you are ready
to go home the nurse will discuss discharge instructions
and answer your questions. You will be given a summary
of findings for your procedure. You may NOT drive
yourself home. Be sure to bring a responsible adult,
licensed driver with you. You may want a family member
or friend to stay with you for the remainder of the
day.
AT-HOME INSTRUCTIONS
- You will be given specific written instructions
about resuming your activity, medications and diet
- You may return to work or school the day after
your procedure
- Do not drive a vehicle or operate machinery for
at least 12 hours after your procedure
- Do no make any major legal or financial decisions
the day of your procedure
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages for at least
12 hours following your procedure
Information
provided by UMHS Medical Procedures Unit staff
Last update 04/12/07
|
