Tracheoscopy with Bronchoscopy

Tracheoscopy with bronchoscopy is a procedure that lets your provider look inside your windpipe (trachea) and down into your lower airways. To do this, a thin, flexible tube (endoscope) is used. It has a tiny camera and light at the end.

Getting ready for your procedure

Follow any instructions from your healthcare provider. Tell your provider about any medicines you are taking. You may need to stop taking all or some of these before the procedure. This includes:

• All prescription medicines

• Any blood-thinning medicines (anticoagulants)

• Over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen

• Street drugs

• Herbs, vitamins, and other supplements

Also tell your provider if you smoke or drink alcohol.

During your procedure

The procedure can take up to 45 minutes. You will go home the same day. Before the procedure starts, your throat will be numbed. You may also be given medicine to help you relax. During the procedure:

• You may sit upright in a chair that supports your head or lay down on a cushioned table.

• The endoscope is gently put into your nose and moved down into your throat, between your vocal cords. It may then be moved into your lower airways. You will need to breathe through your mouth while the endoscope is in place.

• The endoscope sends pictures from inside your trachea and lower airways to a video screen. Your provider uses the images to move the scope and look for problems.

• If needed, the endoscope can be used to take a small tissue sample (biopsy) from inside your trachea or airways. This sample is sent to a lab for testing.

• When the test is done, the endoscope is removed.

After your procedure

Have an adult family member or friend drive you home. Take it easy for the rest of the day. Due to the numbing medicine, swallowing may be hard at first. This may last a few hours. Don’t eat or drink until swallowing returns to normal. Follow any instructions you have been given, such as:

• If you smoke, stop for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Smoking will make your throat irritation worse and slow your recovery.

• If a biopsy was taken, try not to cough or clear your throat. This will help prevent bleeding. But, it's OK to cough if you need to.

• Once you are able to swallow normally, drink plenty of water.

• Use throat lozenges as prescribed by your provider. 

Follow-up

Within a week or so, your provider will likely see you for a follow-up visit. During this visit, your provider will discuss the results of your procedure and biopsy. You can also discuss any treatments that might be needed.