11 Bronchoscopy Doctors in Mumbai

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bronchoscopy?
Bronchoscopy is an imaging test used to view the following parts of the respiratory system:

1. Larynx
2. Trachea
3. Airways
4. Lungs 
5. Bronchi
6. Bronchioles

This will help in diagnosing lung-related disorders. Sometimes it is also used to treat certain lung conditions. An instrument called Bronchoscope is used in this procedure. It can be either flexible or rigid. A bronchoscope is a long fiber-optic material with light and camera at the tip of it. This is passed through the nose and into the mouth down the throat. This will help in viewing the internal organs of the respiratory system. There are three types of imaging techniques in Bronchoscopy. They are:

1. Virtual bronchoscopy
2. Endobronchial ultrasound bronchoscopy
3. Fluorescence bronchoscopy

In the case of virtual bronchoscopy, there will be a CT scan to view the airways in a more detailed way.  In Endobronchial ultrasound, the bronchoscope is attached with an ultrasound probe to have a better view of the airways and in Fluorescence bronchoscopy, fluorescent light will be attached to the bronchoscope.

What are the advantages of Bronchoscopy?

The following are the advantages of Bronchoscopy:

1. Provides better access to the small areas
2. Gives a clear picture of the internal organs
3. Delivers medication directly to the lungs
4. Removes objects if they are blocking airways (a piece of food)

What are the indications of Bronchoscopy?

The following are the indications of Bronchoscopy:

1. Infection
2. Chronic cough
3. Tumor
4. Lung disease
5. Collapsed lung

This test is also indicated if chest X-ray or CT scan results show abnormal images.

What is the preparation for Bronchoscopy?

The following are the preparation steps involved in Bronchoscopy:

1. Before performing Bronchoscopy, a local anesthetic may be applied to the nose and throat to numb the area, very rarely general anesthesia is given.
2. A sedative will also be given to relax the patient. 
3. An oxygen machine is also connected to supply oxygen continuously while the procedure is going on.
4. The patient may be asked to stop eating and drinking for 6-12 hours prior to the procedure.
5. The patient will be instructed to stop taking medications like warfarin, aspirin, ibuprofen, or any other blood thinners.

What are the steps involved in Bronchoscopy?

The following are the steps involved in  Bronchoscopy:

1. The bronchoscope is slowly inserted into the nose of the patient and then slowly down the throat into the airways of the lungs.
2. With the help of the needles or brushes attached to the bronchoscope, the tissue samples in the lungs are collected. With these samples, the disorders in the lungs can be diagnosed.
3. The video camera in the bronchoscope will send the live images of the inner parts of the lungs, which the doctor views on the monitor.
4. Sometimes a saline solution is sprayed on the surface of the airways. The cells that are washed away from the surface are collected. Later sent to the laboratory for diagnostic purposes. This process is called bronchial washing.

What is the postprocedure care/recovery care for Bronchoscopy?

The following are the post-care steps for Bronchoscopy:

1. After completion of the procedure, the patient will be drowsy for the next few hours.
2. The blood pressure and respiratory rate are monitored after the procedure.
3. The patient will be asked not to eat or drink anything for 1-2 hours after the procedure.
4. The patient may feel sore throat or itching in the throat for the next few days which is common. But if it is severe and unbearable, consult the doctor.
5. Follow all the instructions given by the doctor without fail.

Who can perform Bronchoscopy [Right specialist type for Bronchoscopy]?

Bronchoscopy can be performed by a certified and skilled Pulmonologist or a Thoracic Surgeon who is well experienced in Bronchoscopy.

What is the cost of Bronchoscopy?
Cost of Bronchoscopy depends on factors such as:

1. Doctor fee
2. Type of hospital
3. Age of the patient
4. Type of procedure used
5. The medical condition of the patient
6. Post-surgical complications that are involved
7. Any other lab tests or examination tests such as X-ray, scanning, etc.

Minimum charges for diagnostic Bronchoscopy in Mumbai starts from Rs.1650

Average cost for diagnostic Bronchoscopy in Mumbai is approximately Rs. 3300

Maximum Price for diagnostic Bronchoscopy in Mumbai can rise up to Rs.5500

Minimum charges for procedural Bronchoscopy in Mumbai starts from Rs.11,000

Average cost for procedural Bronchoscopy in Mumbai is approximately Rs.16,500

Maximum price for procedural Bronchoscopy in Mumbai can rise up to Rs.22,000

Is Bronchoscopy a major surgery or minor surgery?

Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that is considered a minor procedure since it does not involve any surgical procedure or incisions.

What is the eligibility criteria for Bronchoscopy?
The eligibility criteria for Bronchoscopy are as follows:

1. Patients who experience symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, blood while coughing, etc.
2. Patients whose X-ray and scanning reports are abnormal.

What is the ineligibility criteria for Bronchoscopy?
The ineligibility criteria for Bronchoscopy are as follows:

1. Patients with active infection
2. Patients with psychotic disorders
3. Patients who are uncooperative
4. Patients with bleeding disorders
   

What are the risks and complications associated with Bronchoscopy?

The following are the risks involved in Bronchoscopy:

1. Bleeding from the site of biopsy
2. Infection

Very rarely you may also experience:

1. Fever
2. Sore throat
3. Irregular heart rhythms
4. Difficulty in breathing
5. Low levels of oxygen in the blood
6. Collapsed lung
7. Nausea
8. Vomiting
9. Fluctuations in blood pressure
10. Muscle pain

How long does it take to complete Bronchoscopy?

The complete duration of the Bronchoscopy may take about 20-30 minutes. Sometimes it may take longer if the biopsy tissue is being collected.

What is the recovery time?

If the patient is sedated then it may take a few hours to gain consciousness otherwise the patient can go home immediately after the procedure.

What is the success rate of Bronchoscopy?
Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure with very high success rates. The approximate success rate of Bronchoscopy is 95%.

Is Bronchoscopy painful?

Bronchoscopy procedure may not be very painful but the patient may feel a little discomfort while the bronchoscope is being inserted down the throat.

Is Bronchoscopy Permanent?

Bronchoscopy is an imaging test used to diagnose a variety of lung disorders. This is not a permanent procedure.

What are the long-term results of Bronchoscopy?

Since Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure, there are no long-term results involved.

Can Bronchoscopy be detected in the future?

Bronchoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that is temporary and cannot be detected in the future. If the symptoms are experienced again then the Bronchoscopy can be repeated.

What are the alternatives for Bronchoscopy?

The alternatives for Bronchoscopy are as follows:

1. Chest X-ray
2. CT-scan