Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to look inside your lungs and airways using a thin, flexible tube with a small camera on the end.
What is bronchoscopy?
Bronchoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to look inside your lungs and airways using a thin, flexible tube with a small camera on the end. It is a commonly used and generally safe procedure that helps diagnose lung conditions, collect tissue or fluid samples, and support decisions about the most appropriate treatment for your symptoms.
Types of bronchoscopies
Flexible bronchoscopy is the most commonly performed type. It allows doctors to gently navigate the smaller airways and reach areas deeper within the lungs. The procedure is usually carried out using a local anaesthetic and mild sedation to keep you comfortable, and it is considered very safe.
Rigid bronchoscopy uses a straight metal tube and is performed under general anaesthesia. It is typically used in specific situations, such as removing large foreign objects, controlling significant bleeding, or treating blockages in the larger airways.
These procedures often form part of a wider diagnostic pathway:
symptoms → chest X-ray or other tests → bronchoscopy → sample analysis → treatment planning
Related procedures
During a bronchoscopy, your doctor may also carry out additional procedures, including:
- Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL): A saline solution is gently washed into part of the lung and then collected to analyse cells and identify infection or inflammation
- Trans bronchial biopsies: Small samples of lung tissue are taken through the bronchoscope for further testing
- Bronchial brushings: A tiny brush is used to collect cells from the lining of the airways
Benefits of bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is a valuable tool for diagnosing a wide range of lung conditions, including lung cancer, chest infections, persistent cough, coughing up blood, and other lung problems that may not be fully explained by scans alone. One of its main advantages is that it allows doctors to see directly inside the airways in real time, often leading to earlier and more accurate diagnosis.
In addition to diagnosis, bronchoscopy can also be used as a treatment. During the same procedure, your doctor may be able to remove blockages, clear mucus plugs, retrieve inhaled objects, or help control bleeding. Because bronchoscopy is minimally invasive, recovery is usually quicker, and the risks are lower than those of more invasive surgical procedures. It is particularly useful when symptoms persist despite standard treatment or when imaging results need further investigation.
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Ways to payBefore the procedure
Initial consultation
Before your bronchoscopy, your healthcare team will review your medical history and current medications and explain clearly why the procedure has been recommended. This is your opportunity to ask questions and discuss any concerns. You’ll be asked to sign a consent form that outlines the benefits and potential risks, ensuring you feel informed and comfortable before proceeding.
Preparation
In the hours before the procedure, you’ll be given clear instructions to help keep you safe. This usually includes fasting for six to eight hours beforehand, although clear fluids are often allowed up to two hours before the bronchoscopy. Your doctor may advise you to temporarily stop or adjust certain medications, such as blood thinners or diabetes treatments.
Because sedation is commonly used, you’ll need to arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you for the next 24 hours. You may also be asked to remove jewellery, avoid alcohol for 24 hours beforehand, and follow any additional preparation guidance provided by your healthcare team.
During the procedure
When you arrive at the endoscopy unit, you’ll change into a hospital gown, and the team will check your vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. The bronchoscopy is performed in a specialised room, and you’ll be positioned comfortably on your back or side.
A local anaesthetic is applied to your nose and throat to reduce discomfort and suppress the gag reflex. Sedation is then given through a small cannula, helping you feel relaxed and drowsy while still able to respond if needed. As the bronchoscope is gently passed through your nose or mouth and into your lungs, you may notice mild pressure or an urge to cough, which is completely normal.
Once the bronchoscope is in place, the doctor examines your airways using the camera and may take samples or perform additional procedures, such as bronchial brushings or bronchoalveolar lavage, if required. Most people find the procedure comfortable and may remember little of it afterwards.
After the procedure
After the bronchoscopy, you’ll be taken to a recovery area where nurses will monitor your oxygen levels, blood pressure, and overall well-being while the sedation wears off. Numbness in the throat usually lasts one to two hours, and you’ll be advised not to eat or drink until sensation returns. Once it does, you can start with clear fluids, then gradually move on to soft foods. Hot drinks should be avoided initially to reduce the risk of burns.
Most people can go home after a few hours, but you’ll need someone to accompany you and stay with you for the rest of the day. Because sedation can affect judgment and coordination, you should not drive, operate machinery, or make important decisions for 24 hours. It’s normal to experience a sore throat, hoarseness, or a mild cough for up to 24-48 hours.
Before you leave, your healthcare team will arrange any follow-up appointments and provide contact details in case you have concerns. The doctor can often discuss initial findings straight away, although results from tissue samples usually take one to two weeks.
Appointment and Treatment Plan
Initial Consultation
Your healthcare team reviews your medical history, medications, and explains why a bronchoscopy is needed. You’ll have time to ask questions before giving informed consent.
Bronchoscopy Procedure
A local anaesthetic numbs your nose and throat, and sedation helps you relax. A thin camera (bronchoscope) is gently passed into the airways so your doctor can examine your lungs and take samples if required.
Immediate Recovery
You’ll rest in a recovery area while the sedation wears off. Eating and drinking resume once throat numbness passes. Mild sore throat, hoarseness, or cough for 24-48 hours is normal.
Aftercare & Results
You can usually go home the same day with an escort. Avoid driving or important decisions for 24 hours. Initial findings may be discussed straight away, with biopsy results typically available within 1-2 weeks.
Experts
We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.
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FAQs
Most patients receive local anaesthesia and mild sedation, making the procedure comfortable and minimally painful. You’ll be drowsy but responsive throughout.
Visual findings are available immediately, but tissue biopsy results typically take 1-2 weeks for pathology analysis.
Major complications are rare (well under 1%), including bleeding, infection, or a collapsed lung, and your medical team will monitor you closely for these.
You must wait until the numbness in your throat subsides (usually 1-2 hours) before eating or drinking to prevent choking or food going down the wrong way.
Contact your healthcare team immediately if you develop severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or cough up significant amounts of blood – these could indicate rare complications requiring prompt attention.
While bronchoscopy is excellent for many lung conditions, some problems deep in the lung tissue may require other tests, such as a CT-guided biopsy or advanced imaging. Your hospital doctor will determine the best approach for your specific situation.
Medically reviewed by Dr Anand Singh - Consultant Respiratory Physician on 09/02/2026