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Bronchoscopy |
Details
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A bronchoscopy is a procedure, in which direct visual evaluation of the larynx (voice box) and airway through a bronchoscope (fiber0optic viewing tube) is performed. A bronchoscope consists of a light at the end, that allows a physician to look down through the bronchi (large airways) into the lungs. Bronchoscopy may help a physician to confirm diagnosis and cure specific conditions. A flexible bronchoscope may be helpful to remove secretions, foreign body, pus, and blood; to apply medicines in certain areas of the lungs; and to find the reason of bleeding. If a physician suspects cancer of the lungs, the airways may be evaluated and specimen may be taken from any affected area. Bronchoscopy is used for collecting the organisms that result in pneumonia and that are hard to collect and identify by other methods. Bronchoscopy is very helpful for obtaining specimens in individuals with AIDS and other immune disorders. When individuals have inhaled smoke or have been burned, bronchoscopy helps a physician assess the condition of airways and larynx. For about 4 hours before this procedure, the patient should not drink or eat. A sedative is frequently given to relieve anxiety, and Atropine is given to lower the risk of spasms of the voice box and a slowing heart beat, which in some cases may happen during bronchoscopy. The nasal passage and throat are anesthetized with a anesthetic spray, and after that the flexible bronchoscope is inserted through the nostril and into the lung airways.
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| Category |
Medical Procedures > B
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| Related Searches |
fiber optics bronchoscopy, guidelines for bronchoscopy |
| Date Submitted |
23-Oct-2005
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