Intervention/Rigid Bronchoscopy

Your respiratory specialist has advised you to undergo a rigid bronchoscopy, a procedure that enables your doctor to look inside the airways of your lungs using a bronchoscope, or long tube with a camera. A rigid bronchoscopy is a specific type of bronchoscopy procedure that is performed using a ‘rigid’ or straight, inflexible tube that is placed into your mouth, through your throat and down into your trachea (main windpipe) and airways.

This procedure is typically performed to diagnose or treat a problem in your main airways. Your respiratory specialist will discuss the specifics with you. The procedure takes place in the operating room under general anesthesia. You will be put into a deep sleep and will not notice or feel anything during the examination or treatment.

• • Because of the general anaesthetic you must bring someone with you who can accompany you and take you home afterwards. If you do not have an escort, the procedure can not go ahead.

Preparing for the procedure

Before the procedure you will receive a telephone call from the anesthesiologist, this is called a ‘pre-operative assessment’ appointment. This will allow your providers to ensure the best care for you possible.

• The anesthesiologist will determine whether further tests are necessary
  • this may include a blood test, an ECG or X-ray.
• If you take anti-coagulant/blood-thinning medication or have diabetes, inform your specialist.
  • certain blood thinners must be stopped prior to this procedure.
• You will need to fast from food for 6 hours before the procedure.

On the day of the procedure

• Do not eat anything for 6 hours before the procedure. You may drink small sips of water up to 2 hours before the procedure.
  • If you take medication in the morning, you may continue to take them unless instructed otherwise by the respiratory specialist or anesthesiologist.
• You must bring someone with you to the hospital to accompany you and safely drive you home after your procedure.
• Please bring any CPAP equipment if you have sleep apnea or home oxygen if you use it.
• The Respiratory Bronchoscopy suite is located in the hospital of VUmc location, Amsterdam UMC: ZH 5A12.
  • Enter through the hospital’s main entrance and go to the 5^th floor 5A. Report to the reception desk.
  • Please bring your ID and health insurance card for registration.
• Remove any nail polish before the procedure and leave jewelry or other valuables at home.
• Wear loose, comfortable, easy-to-manage clothing.
  • We recommend that you bring an extra pair of underwear.
  • You will be given a hospital gown to wear to the operating room.
• Before the procedure you will receive an intravenous line to allow medications to be delivered.
• After the procedure, you will remain in the recovery room. Once you are fully awake, a nurse from the Respiratory suite will pick you up.
• You will be given something to eat and drink. Afterwards, you will have a conversation with the respiratory specialist, who will inform you how the procedure went.
• You may go home under supervision of a friend/family member.
• If tissue samples were taken during the procedure, you will be called at home with the results after one week.

Risks associated with Rigid Bronchoscopy

• You may temporarily experience a sore throat and hoarseness after the procedure.
• There is a small risk of dental damage, though this rarely occurs. The hospital does not accept liability for this.
  • Let your doctor know ahead of time if you have any concerns with lesions in your mouth, problems with loose teeth, or problems with range of motion with your mouth, jaw, neck.
• Bigger complications from this procedure are rare. The most common complications are bleeding, infection or a decrease in oxygen levels during the procedure. These complications are treated immediately.
  • Such complications may be a reason to keep you in the hospital a bit longer.
• You may not operate a vehicle or travel alone for 24 hours. You must be accompanied when going home - this applies not only to private transport, but also to taxis and public transport.
  • Make sure to arrange this in advance. Without an escort, the procedure cannot go ahead.
• Also, avoid scheduling important appointments during the first 24 hours after the procedure.

Resuscitation policy

You are coming to the Bronchoscopy suite for an examination or treatment. The likelihood of complications is low. However, please be aware that all patients are resuscitated in the event of a complication. If you do not wish to be resuscitated, you must inform your specialist. For admitted patients, the agreed resuscitation policy will be followed.

Questions

If you remain concerned after the procedure or still have questions, please contact us.