Bronchoscopy

Examination of the upper and lower airway by flexible bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage is an important diagnostic tool in the evaluation of:

• Stridor
• Persistent Wheezing
• Refractory, Chronic Cough
• Pneumonias
• Unusual Infections
• Atelectasis
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Certain Radiographic Abnormalities

In many cases flexible bronchoscopy, which can be safely and comfortably performed under conscious sedation, eliminates the need for an exam under general anesthesia. Bronchoscopy is the examination of the bronchi (the main airways of the lungs) using a flexible tube (bronchoscope). Bronchoscopy helps to evaluate and diagnose lung problems, assess blockages, obtain samples of tissue and/or fluid, and/or to help remove a foreign body.

Bronchoscopies are performed in the pediatric operating room, and in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. The Pulmonologists in the section who perform this procedure have extensive experience with flexible bronchcoscopy including in the neonatal population.