Alejandro Chapa-Rodriguez, MD
- Pulmonary Medicine
Types of Bronchoscopy at Cape Fear Valley Health
Our bronchoscopy suite is a state of the art procedure room that is fully equipped to take care of malignant and non-malignant lung conditions. We have a competent team of pulmonologists, a certified nurse practitioner, respiratory therapists, lung navigator, registered nurses,and medical assistants. All our pulmonologists are board-certified in pulmonary disease and critical care, and are very motivated to provide the best care to our patients based on current evidence in medicine.
Routine Bronchoscopy (with and without fluoroscopy)
A bronchoscopy is one of the most commonly performed pulmonary procedures. During the bronchoscopy, while a patient is under sedation a thin flexible tube with light and camera is inserted through the mouth and into the windpipe to perform a complete examination of the air passages.
Navigational Bronchoscopy
A navigational bronchoscopy uses a special bronchoscope to take a biopsy of the lung nodules and mass lesions in areas of the lungs that are inaccessible using a regular bronchoscope. Navigational bronchoscopy combines electromagnetic navigation with computed tomography (CT) images to create a three-dimensional map of the lungs based on inspiration and expiration. Pulmonologists are then able to use this technology to take biopsies with more accuracy.
Endobronbrobchial Ultrasound Bronchoscopy with biopsy (EBUS)
EBUS bronchoscopy uses a flexible tube that goes through the mouth and into the windpipe and lungs. The EBUS scope has a video camera with an ultrasound probe attached to create local images of nearby lymph nodes in order to precisely locate and take a biopsy.
Indwelling Tunneled Pleural Catheters Placement
Indwelling tunneled pleural catheters (IPC) are soft silicone tubes that allow people to better manage the shortness of breath from recurrent malignant pleural effusions safely at home. These catheters are not very visible and do not interfere much with patient’s daily activities making them a popular choice for treating these pleural effusions.
Ultrasound-guided drainage of pleural fluid (Thoracentesis)
A thoracentesis is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting a needle through the chest wall into the pleural space to remove excess pleural fluid from around the lungs for diagnostic and/or therapeutic reasons. It is often performed to improve breathing.
Fiducial Marker Placement
Fiducial markers are small metal objects that are placed by using navigational bronchoscopy and fluoroscopy in or near a tumor in preparation for radiation treatment. The markers help pinpoint the tumor's location with greater accuracy and help the radiation oncology team to deliver radiation doses to the tumor while saving the healthy tissue.
Our Approach to Bronchoscopy
We use the latest in medical imaging and technology to ensure the procedure is tailored to your lungs's needs. Our team of specialists has extensive experience in various bronchoscopies, meaning that you receive care from skilled hands.
Our pulmonologists take the time to understand your unique situation. They provide a treatment plan that maximizes the benefits of stent placement. We’ll blend advanced treatment with a personal touch to provide you with cardiac care that's not just effective, but also accessible.
Benefits of Bronchoscopy
A bronchoscopy is usually done to find the cause of a lung problem. For example, your doctor might refer you for bronchoscopy because you have a persistent cough or an abnormal chest X-ray.
Reasons for doing bronchoscopy include:
- Diagnosis of a lung problem
- Identification of a lung infection
- Biopsy of tissue from the lung
- Removal of mucus, a foreign body, or other obstruction in the airways or lungs, such as a tumor
- Placement of a small tube to hold open an airway (stent)
- Treatment of a lung problem (interventional bronchoscopy), such as bleeding, an abnormal narrowing of the airway (stricture) or a collapsed lung (pneumothorax)
What to Expect With Bronchoscopy
The entire procedure, including prep and recovery time, typically takes about four hours. Bronchoscopy itself usually lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. Here's waht usually happens:
- Preparation: A doctor will explain the procedure. You'll be given medication to relax but will stay awake. A local anesthetic numbs the insertion site.
- Procedure: The bronchoscope is advanced slowly down the back of your throat, through the vocal cords and into the airways. It may feel uncomfortable, but it shouldn't hurt. Your health care team will try to make you as comfortable as possible.
- Deployment: Samples of tissue and fluid may be taken and procedures may be performed using devices passed through the bronchoscope. Your doctor may ask if you have pain in your chest, back or shoulders. In general, you shouldn't feel pain.
- Monitoring: You'll be monitored for several hours after bronchoscopy.
- Recovery: When your mouth and throat are no longer numb, and you're able to swallow and cough normally again, you can have something to drink. Start with sips of water. Then you may eat soft foods, such as soup and applesauce. Add other foods as you feel comfortable. You may have a mild sore throat, hoarseness, a cough or muscle aches. This is normal. Warm water gargles and throat lozenges can help lessen the discomfort. Just be sure all the numbness is gone before you try gargling or sucking on lozenges.
You'll receive detailed aftercare instructions and can usually return to normal activities shortly after.