BRONCHOSCOPY
Bronchoscopy: What Is It, How Is It Done and When Is It Needed?
Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca · Last updated: 25 September 2026
SHORT ANSWER
Bronchoscopy is an examination of the inside of the airways. A tube with a camera at its tip is used for this. The tube is passed through the mouth or nose into the windpipe and the bronchi. The tube is usually thin and flexible. For some treatments, a wider, rigid tube (rigid bronchoscope) is used. If needed, a small tissue sample (biopsy) or a sample of washing fluid may be taken. A treatment procedure can also be carried out. The procedure is done with medicines that make you sleepy (sedation) or under general anaesthesia. You usually do not feel pain. A procedure for diagnosis takes 15–30 minutes. Procedures for treatment take 30–90 minutes. As with any procedure, bronchoscopy has risks. Bleeding, a temporary drop in oxygen level and fever may occur. Rarely, air may leak between the membranes around the lung (pneumothorax). After a bronchoscopy for diagnosis, most patients go home the same day.
Why is it done?
For diagnosis:
- Suspected lung cancer
- A cough or coughing up blood with no identified cause
- A mass or an enlarged lymph node seen on a CT scan
- A lung infection that does not go away
- Some diseases that affect the lung tissue (interstitial lung diseases)
For treatment (interventional bronchoscopy):
- Airway narrowing
- A tumour blocking the airway
- An object that has been inhaled into the airway
- Stopping bleeding
- Placing a stent
- Balloon treatment or a lung valve in COPD
Details: Interventional bronchoscopy
Preparation
You must not eat or drink anything for 6–8 hours before the procedure. If you take a blood thinner, your doctor will tell you whether to pause it. If it is to be paused, your doctor will also tell you when. Do not stop any medicine on your own. Bring a list of all the medicines you take. Because of the medicines given during the procedure, you should not drive that day. A companion should be with you. Blood tests and an ECG are done before the procedure. If needed, a breathing test or a chest CT scan is also done.
Procedure
A cannula is placed in a vein in your arm and you are given oxygen. Your heart rhythm and oxygen level are monitored throughout the procedure. You are given medicines that make you sleepy, or general anaesthesia. Your throat is numbed with a spray or medicine (local anaesthesia). The bronchoscope is then passed in, the airways are examined and the necessary procedure is carried out. It takes 15–90 minutes. Rigid bronchoscopy requires general anaesthesia and is used for more extensive treatments.
After the procedure
The numbness in your throat lasts 1–2 hours. You should not eat or drink anything during this time. There may be a mild cough, a sore throat and a small amount of bloodstained phlegm. If a biopsy was taken, sudden shortness of breath or chest pain should be watched for. These may be signs of air leaking between the membranes around the lung (pneumothorax). Biopsy results (pathology) are available in 3–10 days.
Risks
Bleeding may occur. It is most common when a biopsy is taken. Oxygen levels may drop briefly, the airways may tighten (bronchospasm) or a fever may develop. Rarely, air may leak between the membranes around the lung (pneumothorax). A reaction to the medicines that make you sleepy may also occur. Serious problems are rare. An experienced team and good preparation reduce the risk.
PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT
Is it suitable for you?
Book an appointment and bring your breathing test and chest CT scan reports. We decide together at the consultation. If you are coming from outside Istanbul, an online preliminary consultation can be held first.
Please bring: your breathing test, your chest CT scan report and images (CD/USB), your list of medicines and, if you have one, your blood gas test result.
HAVE A QUESTION?
Frequently asked questions
The questions our patients and their relatives ask most often, with answers. We discuss questions about your own situation together at the consultation.
APPOINTMENT
Book an appointment for a preliminary assessment
To find out whether you are suitable, book a preliminary assessment appointment. Bring your breathing test, chest CT scan report and list of medicines with you.
info@yalcinkarakoca.com · Rüzgarlıbahçe Mah. Cumhuriyet Cad. Hasoğlu Plaza Kat:3, Kavacık / Beykoz, İstanbul
This page is for general information purposes. It does not replace a medical examination or diagnosis. Treatment decisions are made during an examination, on an individual basis. In an emergency, call 112.
Medical content review: Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca, Pulmonologist · Last updated: 25 September 2026