Rigid bronchoscopy is a medical procedure designed to access and visualize the larger airways and the complete structure of the lungs, including the oropharynx, vocal cords, larynx, trachea, and proximal bronchi.
This procedure is essential for diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the larger airways and lungs. It enables the placement of stents, removal of secretions and lesions, and more. Rigid bronchoscopy is particularly effective when used alongside other techniques, such as CT scans, flexible bronchoscopy, laryngoscopy, and esophagoscopy.
Our expert pulmonary specialists perform rigid bronchoscopy using a thin, hollow metal tube called a rigid bronchoscope. The procedure is typically conducted in an operating room under general anesthesia, ensuring patient comfort while addressing specific lung conditions.
Components of a Rigid Bronchoscope
Modern rigid bronchoscopes come in various designs, but the fundamental parts remain consistent:
- Barrel: The barrel features a beveled tip available in two lengths—33 cm (for tracheal access) and 43 cm (for bronchial access)—to reach different areas. Its outer diameters vary from 6 to 14 mm.
- Multifunctional Head: This component includes several holes and ports that facilitate the connection of instruments. An anesthetic port allows for various ventilation methods, including jet, continuous insufflation, intermittent volume, and spontaneous ventilation.
- Light Source and Optics: Equipped with a light source that illuminates the airway, the bronchoscope can also be connected to a camera for enhanced visualization of the windpipes and lungs during the procedure.
When is Rigid Bronchoscopy Indicated?
Rigid bronchoscopy may be necessary if you experience:
- Chronic coughing
- Airway obstruction
- Bronchial cancer or tumors
- Interstitial pulmonary disease
- Severe hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
- Chronic lung infections
- Narrowing of the airways
- Benign airway stenosis due to trauma
Benefits of Rigid Bronchoscopy
The benefits of rigid bronchoscopy are extensive. This procedure not only provides access to the deeper areas of the lungs but also aids in diagnosing and treating lung diseases. Some key advantages include:
- Comprehensive lung tissue biopsies
- Assessment of toxic inhalants
- Management of significant hemoptysis
- Monitoring of tracheostomy tubes
- Removal of excess secretions, mucus plugs, blockages, and foreign bodies
- Reduction of bleeding in the bronchi
- Lesion removal (diseased tissue)
- Stent placement
- Dilation of narrowed airways and tracheobronchial stenosis
- Bronchial tumor ablation, assisting in laser therapy
Procedure: Diagnosis and Treatment
Preparing for Rigid Bronchoscopy
Before the procedure, our pulmonary specialists will conduct a thorough physical examination to ensure you are fit for rigid bronchoscopy. They will assess any limitations related to mouth opening, neck extension, and dental health.
The pulmonologist will review your medical history for any prior surgeries involving the neck, face, or lungs. You will undergo blood tests and chest imaging, including an ECG, as guided by our medical team.
Following these assessments, the specialists will evaluate your test results to check for any factors such as limited neck mobility, bleeding risks, or low oxygen levels.
If you are on medication, you may need to pause specific medications for a period. Our pulmonologist will address any questions you have and explain the rigid bronchoscopy procedures for diagnosis and treatment in detail. The findings from these evaluations will help determine the best treatment approach, tailored to your unique needs.
During Rigid Bronchoscopy
Do not eat or drink anything for several hours before the procedure. It is advisable to arrange for someone to accompany you home afterward.
During the procedure, our medical team will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. An anesthesiologist will administer anesthesia, and a numbing spray will be applied to your throat to minimize gagging.
Once prepared, the surgeon will extend your neck, place a mouth guard, and insert the rigid bronchoscope into your mouth. The anesthetic port will provide ventilation as the bronchoscope is guided down to your chest.
As the bronchoscope passes the epiglottis, your vocal cords will be visualized through the attached camera. The surgeon will maneuver the bronchoscope carefully to avoid damaging sensitive areas, reaching the desired position to perform necessary diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
Samples of fluid and tissue may be collected for diagnosis, while therapeutic interventions can involve the delivery of medication or devices through the bronchoscope.
Recovery and Outlook
Following the completion of rigid bronchoscopy, you will be monitored for a few hours. Our medical staff will check your vital signs and perform a chest X-ray to ensure there are no injuries to your lungs.
Once your test results are satisfactory, with no complications and numbness in your throat subsiding, you can expect to be discharged on the same day. Recovery typically takes 1-2 days, during which you may experience a sore throat, coughing, and hoarseness. Warm gargles and throat lozenges can help alleviate any discomfort.
The prognosis for rigid bronchoscopy is positive, as it is a safe and effective procedure for diagnosing and treating lung diseases.
Contact Us
If you are considering rigid bronchoscopy, reach out to Yupiter Hospital. Our experienced pulmonologists, anesthetists, nurses, and medical personnel are dedicated to providing the highest standard of care.
We utilize advanced tools and technologies for diagnostic testing and adhere to strict safety protocols and international clinical standards, ensuring that all procedures are performed safely and with precision.
