Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is a medical examination that allows the doctor to examine the airways in the body. In the test, the doctor threads an instrument called a bronchoscope through the nose or mouth and further down the throat to reach the lungs. The bronchoscope is made of a flexible fibre-optic material, which has a light source as well as a camera at its end. Most bronchoscopes are well-matched with colour video, which helps the doctor document their findings.

Bronchoscopy is used for treatment in the following situations:

• To remove foreign bodies, present in the airway
• To place a stent to open a collapsed airway caused due to pressure by a tumour or mass
• To remove any growth that is blocking the airway