Bronchoscopy Biopsy: What you need to know

Bronchoscopy and biopsy is a procedure to examine the inside of the bronchi by means of a bronchoscope, using the bronchoscope inserted into the patient's trachea and bronchi to observe inside the bronchial surface, helping to take samples to perform histopathological tests to diagnose, predict the disease and determine the cause of the disease.

The success rate of endoscopic techniques and bronchial biopsies is above 95%, with very rare cases of risks or complications. However, the patient may also encounter some complications and risks when performing this technique such as:
The patient is allergic to the anesthetic. The process of moving the bronchoscope can cause damage to the bronchial mucosa in the patient. The patient may bleed at the site of the bronchial biopsy. Patients are at risk for infection, atelectasis, and pneumothorax, but these complications are very rare.

Patients are often assigned bronchoscopy in the following cases:
Cases needing diagnosis of cancer of the trachea, bronchus, lung. In case it is necessary to detect benign tumors on the airways as well as evaluate the growth of the tumor in the patient. Bronchoscopy and biopsy when necessary to diagnose respiratory infections: Bronchitis - lung, lung abscess, respiratory tract containing a lot of purulent fluid... For the following patient monitoring cases lung surgery or the treatment of bronchial and tracheal cancers. Determining the cause of hemoptysis, prolonged cough, pneumothorax as well as: pleural effusion and tracheal stenosis, hoarseness,... Cases to locate and monitor lesions after opening tracheal or endotracheal intubation.....

Step 1: The patient lies on his back on the bed and is anesthetized as well as breathing oxygen with glasses frames 2-3 liters/min.
Step 2: Conduct bronchoscopic biopsy procedure:
The bronchoscope is inserted through the patient's nose or mouth deep into the bronchi. The bronchoscope is moved slowly to observe the respiratory tract, in case a lesion is detected, a biopsy will be performed. After taking the patient's biopsy sample, it will be put into a fixed vial containing physiological solution of 0.9% NaCl.. When the bronchoscope is brought to the terminal bronchi, the patient needs to be repeated anesthesia, The scope then continues to move for observation. Step 3: End the bronchoscopy process
The doctor checks and slowly pulls the endoscope out of the patient's bronchi. The results obtained will be aggregated and tested for samples taken to know the patient's health status.

Not all subjects can have bronchoscopy and biopsy. Some patients are not allowed to have bronchoscopy for biopsies, including:
Patients with cardiovascular disorders: Including cases of cardiac arrhythmias; Severe heart failure and myocardial infarction, recent or unstable angina or uncontrolled hypertension. Patients with respiratory failure, bronchial asthma not controlled pneumothorax not drained and patients with a history of pneumothorax within 1 month,... Patients with coagulopathy. Cases of uncooperative patients. The flexible bronchoscopy technique at Vinmec International General Hospital is performed on modern machinery and equipment, without causing discomfort to the patient during endoscopy. Before performing bronchoscopy, the patient will be anesthetized and carefully controlled the airway to ensure safety and minimize irritation or discomfort and then check and control to make sure there is no complications for the patient.
For consultation and registration for bronchoscopy, anesthesia, and general anesthesia at Vinmec International Hospital, you can contact HERE or contact Vinmec Health System nationwide.
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