INTERVENTIONAL BRONCHOSCOPY
Interventional Bronchoscopy: Incision-Free Procedures That Open the Airway
Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca · Last updated: 25 September 2026
SHORT ANSWER
In interventional bronchoscopy, a tube with a camera at its tip (bronchoscope) is used. Problems in the windpipe and bronchi are both seen and treated in the same procedure. A narrowed airway can be widened, or a tube that holds it open (stent) can be placed. A tumour blocking the airway can be reduced. An object that has slipped into the airway can be removed, and bleeding can be stopped. Balloon and valve treatments for COPD also fall within this scope. The procedure is done through the mouth, and there is no incision in the skin. It is carried out under general anaesthesia (while you are asleep) or with medicines that make you sleepy (sedation).
How it differs from diagnostic bronchoscopy
In diagnostic bronchoscopy, the airways are examined. If needed, a small tissue sample is taken. In interventional bronchoscopy, treatment is also carried out by the same route. A procedure that starts as a diagnostic one can continue with treatment if this was planned in advance. The basics of bronchoscopy: What is bronchoscopy?
When is it considered?
| Condition | Possible procedures | Page |
|---|---|---|
| Narrowing of the windpipe or bronchi (after a breathing tube has been in place for a long time in intensive care, or due to inflammation or pressure from a tumour) | Widening with a balloon, removal of the tissue causing the narrowing, stent | Airway narrowing |
| Tumour blocking the airway in lung cancer | Reducing the tumour (tissue removal, freezing, burning, laser), stent | Opening the airway in cancer |
| Severe COPD in which cough and phlegm predominate | Balloon treatment (Karakoca Resector Balloon) | COPD balloon treatment |
| Severe emphysema, air building up in the lungs | Lung valve | Karakoca Valve |
| An object that has slipped into the airway | Removal with a bronchoscope | This page |
| Bleeding from the airway (coughing up blood) | Stopping the bleeding with a bronchoscope | This page |
| Thick mucus blocking the airway, collapse of part of the lung | Clearing with a bronchoscope | This page |
| Taking a sample from a lymph node or tumour for diagnosis | Needle sampling using bronchoscopy with ultrasound (EBUS) | This page |
Procedures
- Widening with a balloon (balloon dilatation): The narrowed section is widened with a balloon in a controlled way. In benign narrowings, it is used on its own or together with a stent.
- Stent: A small silicone or metal tube that holds the airway open. It is used if the airway is being pressed from the outside or if there is a risk of it narrowing again. Regular follow-up is needed.
- Reducing the tumour: Tissue blocking the airway is reduced by removing it with a bronchoscope or by burning it. This complements cancer treatment; it does not replace it.
- Freezing (cryotherapy): Tissue is treated or removed by freezing it.
- Heat treatments (argon plasma coagulation, electrocautery, laser): These clear tissue on the surface and stop bleeding. They may help to open the airway quickly.
- Resector balloon: A mesh-covered balloon. It clears tumour tissue blocking the airway and overgrown healing tissue. In COPD, it clears the thickened tissue and mucus on the inner lining of the airway. Details: Karakoca Resector Balloon
- Rigid bronchoscopy: Bronchoscopy performed with a wider, stiff tube. It is used to remove large objects, to clear tissue and to place stents.
Experience and facilities
Prof. Dr. Yalçın Karakoca has been working in therapeutic bronchoscopy since the 1990s. Some steps along the way:
- Training in Germany (Hemer) and France (Marseille)
- 1999: Interventional bronchoscopy centre established in Kocaeli
- 2001: Therapeutic bronchoscopy unit at Cerrahpaşa
- 2002: Therapeutic bronchoscopy unit at Maltepe University
- 2003: Hands-on meeting organised with Prof. Jean-François Dumon
Procedures are carried out at partner hospitals with anaesthesia and intensive care support. Consultations and planning take place at the clinic in Kavacık (Beykoz).
Risks and the process
As with any procedure, these procedures also carry risks. Bleeding, a drop in oxygen level, infection and spasm of the airways may occur. There are also risks related to anaesthesia. In patients who have a stent, the stent may move out of place or become blocked. The process works as follows. First, you have a consultation and tests (chest CT scan, breathing test, blood tests, ECG). The procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia or with medicines that make you sleepy. You then stay under observation for a while. When you are discharged, the symptoms you need to watch out for are given to you in writing. After that, you come back for a follow-up visit.
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.
PROCEDURES
Uses of interventional bronchoscopy
Widening with a balloon and stents for narrowing of the windpipe and bronchi.
Bronchoscopic methods that open an airway blocked by a tumour.
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