What is Bronchoscopy?
A bronchoscopy is a scoping of the lungs. This procedure is performed using a sterile, fiberoptic scope with a diameter of 0.5 cm with a biopsy channel and small 0.2cm light source. A bronchoscope is used to examine all seven lung lobes for masses, foreign bodies, polyps, or other abnormalities. Depending on which lung lobe is selected, the doctor will then “wash” the lungs with sterile saline and then suction the wash fluid back to obtain cells for cytology and a sample for culture. Since this is an upper airway procedure there are risks involved, just as with any anesthetic procedure and your doctor will discuss these risks with you beforehand. Bronchoscopy is performed under general anesthesia with analgesics, intravenous fluids, continuous blood pressure, EKG, and oxygenation monitoring performed by nationally and state accredited Licensed Veterinary Technicians.
