Pediatric Flexible Bronchoscopy
A flexible bronchoscopy is performed with a special tube with a
light in it called a flexible bronchoscope.This lets the doctor
see inside your child's breathing tubes. This test may be done if
your child has wheezing, chronic cough, lung infection or changes
on a chest x-ray.
How is the bronchoscopy done?
Your child will be given anesthesia before the test begins. During
the test, your child will be given medicine to numb his or her nose
and throat. The bronchoscope tube bends to fit your child's airway.
Your doctor will put the bronchoscope into your child's nose or
into a tube placed in the throat to make it easier to reach the
windpipe. It is then moved forward into the throat and bronchial
tube of both lungs. Often a small amount of salt water is put into
the lungs, then suctioned out and sent to the lab. Sometimes a tissue
sample (biopsy) may be taken.
The bronchoscopy may be done in a special procedure room in the
Hasbro operating area, in a regular operating room or in the pediatric
intensive care unit, or in the pediatric sedation suite. Your doctor
will tell you where the test will be done. The test usually takes
less than one hour. Your doctor will talk with you after the test
to discuss the results.
Are there any complications?
This test is safe and carries little risk. Rarely, children may
react to an anesthesia medication. We watch children closely for
this and give oxygen if needed. Your child might be more congested
or wheezy for a few hours after the test and may need oxygen during
this time. If a lavage was done, your child may have a fever later
in the evening. Your doctor will discuss the complications in more
detail.
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