Home > Encyclopedia of Surgery > Bronchoscopy

Definition

Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a hollow, flexible tube called a bronchoscope is inserted into the airways through the nose or mouth to provide a view of the tracheobronchial tree. It can also be used to collect bronchial and/or lung secretions and to perform tissue biopsy.

Purpose

During a bronchoscopy, the physician can visually examine the lower airways, including the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and bronchioles. The procedure is used to examine the mucosal surface of the airways for abnormalities that might be associated with a variety of lung diseases. Its use may be diagnostic or therapeutic.

Bronchoscopy may be used to examine and help diagnose:

• diseases of the lung, such as cancer or tuberculosis
• congenital deformity of the lungs
...