Bronkoskopiaa

Bronkoskopiaa, commonly known as bronchoscopy, is a medical procedure that allows a doctor to examine the airways of the lungs. It involves inserting a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera attached, called a bronchoscope, through the nose or mouth and down into the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (airways of the lungs). This allows for direct visualization of the lining of these passages.

The procedure can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Diagnostically, it can help identify the cause of symptoms like chronic cough, coughing up blood (hemoptysis), unexplained shortness of breath, or abnormal findings on imaging tests like chest X-rays or CT scans. During bronchoscopy, tissue samples (biopsies), cells (cytology), or fluid can be collected from the airways or lung tissue for laboratory analysis. This helps in diagnosing conditions such as lung cancer, infections, inflammatory diseases, or foreign bodies.

Therapeutically, bronchoscopy can be used to remove mucus plugs, foreign objects lodged in the airways, or to stop bleeding within the lungs. It can also be used to place stents to keep airways open or to deliver treatments directly to specific areas of the lungs. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia and sedation, although general anesthesia may be used in some cases. Recovery is usually quick, with most patients able to go home the same day. Potential risks, though uncommon, include bleeding, infection, pneumothorax (collapsed lung), and adverse reactions to sedation.