A bronchoscope is a thin elongated tube with a camera in the end, inserted through the mouth, trachea, into the lungs. This procedure allows pulmonologist to examine lung infections,lung cancer and any abnormalities such as foreign bodies that causes bleeding in patients’ airway.

Bronchoscopes can be classified in two types. A flexible bronchoscope is a long thin tube consist of fiberoptic channel that supplies light to the end of the scope, an optic system that allows the pulmonogist to examine and diagnose the lung and transmit the image in a video, and a channel that allows biopsy tools to aspirate fluid or take a sample tissue from the lungs. The

Rigid bronchoscope is another alternative for flexible bronchoscope. It is a straight, hollow, elongated metal tube with some components same as of flexible bronchoscope. Except that the opening of the metal tube is the viewing channel. Although rigid bronchoscopes are less often use today, still it remains as the procedure choice in removing foreign materials from the lungs. When bleeding interferes while viewing the area, rigid bronchoscope becomes very functional.

Examination of the lung through the use of bronchoscope can be done in any of the following places. A special room designed for such procedures, in an operating room, and in an intensive care unit.This procedure can be performed to remove foreign objects that clogs the air passage. To view any suspected abnormalities of the lungs. To be able to take sample tissue specimens. And to evaluate the cause of a chronic cough, or of a collapsed lung, or examine the bleeding in the lungs and may lead to the possibility of lung cancer.

Procedure The patient will be given antianxiety and antisecretory 30 minutes. before to prevent any oral secretion that may obstruct the view while the procedure is being done. An anesthesia will be introduced for the upper airways and a sedative to make the patient half conscious.

Once the procedure has started, patients’ blood pressure is being checked. The heart and oxygen is being monitored and measured continouosly.

The doctor inserts the brochocope either through nose or mouth of the patient either in sitting or in lying position. First he will examine the upper airway, then the vocal cords. He will continue the bronchoscope to advance to the trachea and down through the bronchus. If abnormality is present, a sample tissue will be taken from the inside through the help of a needle or forceps.

Although most patients can tolerate bronchoscopy, it is highly recommended that a patient be under a brief period of observation after the procedure for 2-4 hours. Monitoring of the patients vital signs continues until the effects of sedative wears off.

Records shows that complications through the use of fiberoptic bronchoscopes are extrememly low, yet after the procedure common complications may be expected like heart vessel problems or excessive bleeding cause of sample tissue removal that may cause leakage of air called pneumothorax. While rigid bronchoscope can possibly scratch or tear the airway or vocal cords may be damaged, still the risk is limited.