Bronchoscopy in Kharkiv — Advanced Diagnostics of the Respiratory System
Bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure that allows for direct visualization of the trachea, bronchi, and smaller airways. This diagnostic and therapeutic method is essential for evaluating lung diseases, obtaining tissue samples, and performing various interventions. At Brigid Medical Center, we perform bronchoscopy using modern equipment with maximum safety and comfort for the patient.
Key Benefits of Bronchoscopy at Our Center
Direct Visualization
Direct examination of the airways from the trachea to the segmental bronchi with real-time visualization.
Accurate Diagnostics
Precise tissue sampling (biopsy) and cytological analysis for an accurate final diagnosis.
Therapeutic Capabilities
Simultaneous diagnostics and treatment: removal of foreign bodies, stent placement, and hemorrhage control.
Comfortable Procedure
Performed under sedation or anesthesia to ensure minimal patient discomfort.
Rapid Examination
The procedure lasts 15–45 minutes, with recovery typically within 1–2 hours.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Close collaboration between pulmonologists, oncologists, thoracic surgeons, and pathologists.
What is Bronchoscopy?
Bronchoscopy is an endoscopic procedure used to examine the internal structures of the airways. Using a flexible or rigid bronchoscope equipped with a camera and light source, the pulmonologist can:
- Directly visualize the trachea, main bronchi, and segmental bronchi.
- Assess the condition of the mucosa, identifying inflammation, tumors, and other anomalies.
- Obtain tissue samples (biopsy) for histological examination.
- Collect bronchial washings and brushings for cytological and microbiological analysis.
- Perform bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) to evaluate diffuse lung diseases.
- Remove foreign bodies from the airways.
- Install stents to maintain airway patency in cases of obstruction.
- Control airway bleeding.
- Assist in cases of difficult intubation.
When is Bronchoscopy Recommended?
Diagnostic Indications:
- Persistent Cough lasting more than 3 weeks without a clear cause.
- Hemoptysis (coughing up blood) — any amount.
- Abnormal Findings on Chest X-ray or CT (nodules, masses, infiltrates).
- Suspected Lung Cancer for tissue diagnosis and staging.
- Unexplained Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea).
- Recurrent or Persistent Pneumonia.
- Suspected Interstitial Lung Disease (sarcoidosis, pulmonary fibrosis).
- Airway Obstruction Assessment (strictures, tumors, external compression).
- Tracheobronchial Trauma Evaluation following chest injuries.
- Immunocompromised Patients with pulmonary infiltrates (to diagnose infection).
Therapeutic Applications:
- Removal of Foreign Bodies from the airways.
- Control of Massive Hemoptysis (lung hemorrhage).
- Airway Stent Placement for malignant or benign strictures.
- Airway Tumor Treatment using laser, electrocoagulation, or cryotherapy.
- Drainage of Lung Abscesses.
- Bronchial Thermoplasty for severe asthma.
- Assisted Intubation in cases of difficult airways.
- Removal of Mucus Plugs in patients with retained secretions.
- Treatment of Bronchopleural Fistulas.
Staging and Monitoring:
- Lung Cancer Staging — assessing the extent of the tumor within the airways.
- Treatment Response Evaluation in lung cancer patients.
- Follow-up after Lung Transplantation to monitor for rejection.
- Surveillance of Precancerous Lesions (dysplasia, carcinoma in situ).
- Airway Complication Assessment following radiation therapy.
What Can Bronchoscopy Detect?
Oncological Diseases
- Central lung cancer (squamous cell, adenocarcinoma, small cell).
- Peripheral lung nodules and masses.
- Metastatic lung tumors.
- Bronchial carcinoids.
- Mucoepidermoid carcinomas.
- Airway papillomatosis.
Inflammatory Conditions
- Chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis.
- Sarcoidosis.
- Interstitial lung diseases.
- Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis.
- Cryptogenic organizing pneumonia.
- Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis.
Infectious Diseases
- Tuberculosis (diagnosis and drug resistance testing).
- Atypical mycobacterial infections.
- Fungal infections (aspergillosis, candidiasis).
- Pneumocystis pneumonia.
- Viral pneumonia (CMV, HSV in immunocompromised patients).
- Bacterial pneumonia (pathogen identification).
Other Conditions
- Airway foreign bodies.
- Tracheobronchial stenosis (benign or malignant).
- Tracheomalacia and bronchomalacia.
- Airway amyloidosis.
- Tracheobronchial injuries.
- Broncholithiasis.
Types of Bronchoscopy
Flexible Bronchoscopy
- Instrument: Flexible fiber-optic or video bronchoscope.
- Sedation: Usually conscious (moderate) sedation.
- Reach: Can access segmental and subsegmental bronchi.
- Advantages: Better patient tolerance; does not require general anesthesia.
- Applications: Most diagnostic procedures and simple therapeutic interventions.
Rigid Bronchoscopy
- Instrument: Rigid metal tube.
- Sedation: Requires general anesthesia.
- Reach: Main bronchi and lobar bronchi.
- Advantages: Larger working channel; superior control of bleeding.
- Applications: Foreign body removal, massive hemoptysis, stent placement, tumor debulking.
Advanced Modalities
- Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS): Combines bronchoscopy with ultrasound for lymph node biopsy.
- Electromagnetic Navigation: GPS-like guidance for peripheral lung lesions.
- Autofluorescence Bronchoscopy: Enhanced detection of precancerous lesions.
- Narrow Band Imaging (NBI): Improved visualization of mucosal vascular networks.
- Cryobiopsy: Larger tissue samples for interstitial lung disease diagnosis.
How is Bronchoscopy Performed?
Preparation and Anesthesia
The patient is placed in a supine position. Local anesthesia is applied to the throat and airways via nebulizer or spray. Intravenous sedation is administered. Monitoring equipment is connected (pulse oximetry, blood pressure, ECG).
Bronchoscope Insertion
The bronchoscope is gently inserted through the nose or mouth. it passes through the vocal cords into the trachea. A systematic examination begins from the trachea, progressing to the main and segmental bronchi.
Comprehensive Airway Examination
Detailed inspection of all visualized airways. Assessment of mucosal appearance, secretions, and structural anomalies. Special attention is paid to the carina and any suspicious areas.
Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures
Biopsies are taken from suspicious lesions. Bronchial washings and brushings are collected. Foreign bodies are removed if present. Stents are placed if necessary. Findings are photo-documented.
Completion and Recovery
The bronchoscope is carefully withdrawn. The patient is monitored until the effects of sedation wear off (30–60 minutes). Oxygen support is provided if necessary. Preliminary findings are discussed before discharge.
Modern Bronchoscopy Equipment
Our center utilizes advanced bronchoscopy technologies to achieve optimal diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes:
- Video Bronchoscopes: High-definition imaging with superior resolution.
- Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS): Real-time ultrasound imaging for lymph node staging.
- Electromagnetic Navigation: Precise targeting of peripheral lung lesions.
- Autofluorescence Imaging: Enhanced detection of dysplastic and malignant lesions.
- Narrow Band Imaging (NBI): Enhanced visualization of mucosal microvascularity.
- Cryotherapeutic Systems: For tissue sampling and tumor ablation.
- Laser and Electrocoagulation: For tumor removal and hemostasis.
Book a Bronchoscopy Appointment Today
Early and accurate diagnosis of lung diseases significantly improves treatment outcomes and quality of life. Do not ignore persistent respiratory symptoms — bronchoscopy provides definitive answers and, in many cases, therapeutic solutions within a single procedure.
Take control of your respiratory health. Contact us to schedule a bronchoscopy or to discuss whether this procedure is appropriate for your symptoms or imaging results.
Brigid Medical Center — Advanced Respiratory Diagnostics and Interventions in Kharkiv.
Modern Bronchoscopy Equipment · Experienced Pulmonologists · Comprehensive Care · Patient Safety First
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