The invasive bronchoscopy is the procedure of examining the trachea and the smaller airways (bronchus) but also interventions such as biopsies, airway openings, thermocautery, cryocautery, stent placement, bleeding control, etc. The thoracic surgeon can and does perform the bronchoscopy with the help of a straight tube (rigid laser bronchoscope) but also with a flexible bronchoscope, while the patient is under anesthesia.

What is a bronchoscopy used for?

Bronchoscopy is part of the routine examination of the airway before the start of a thoracic surgery in order to identify possible problems and to clean the mucous membranes. Also, through this minimally invasive procedure:

→ Biopsies may be taken Small tissue samples can be taken from inside the airway. This is usually done to confirm the diagnosis of what is causing a lump in the airway.

→ Additional procedures may be done to unblock or widen the airway.

• Dilation (widening) of the airway

A small balloon device is passed into the airway and inflated, thereby dilating it. Stenosis can return after dilation, the procedure can be repeated.

• Removal of abnormal tissue 

The tissue is removed to clear the blockage. A laser beam can be used to cauterize the tissue blocking the airway.

• Stent placement

Stents are tubes that are placed inside the airway after dilation. They help open the airway and make breathing easier. They are most often used to help manage the symptoms of lung cancer. Stents can become dislodged or make it difficult to clear mucus from the lungs. Additional tissue may form in reaction to the stent, again narrowing the airway. Very rarely a stent can wear out a part of the airway and damage a blood vessel or organ (oesophagus).

The minimally invasive bronchoscopy it is still used to treat patients with lung nodules and offers numerous benefits.

Outpatient procedure For more information and clarifications or to schedule an appointment, you can contact Dr. Michalis Klimatsidas by calling (+030) 6944562928 or by filling out the relevant form.