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Flexible Bronchoscopy
Flexible Bronchoscopy is a key pulmonological diagnostic procedure that allows direct visualisation of the airways, targeted biopsy of suspicious lesions, and collection of respiratory specimens — providing essential diagnostic information for lung cancer, infection, and interstitial lung disease without the need for surgery.
Overview
Key Benefits
Discover the advantages of choosing our flexible bronchoscopy services.
Provides definitive tissue diagnosis avoiding the need for surgical lung biopsy in most cases
Combines diagnostic airway assessment with specimen collection in a single procedure
Safe, well-tolerated outpatient procedure with same-day discharge
BAL provides microbiological diagnosis unavailable from sputum or blood cultures alone
Results directly guide the most targeted and effective treatment for your lung condition
Clinical Features
The technology, techniques and clinical approach behind our flexible bronchoscopy.
Systematic inspection of all accessible airways to the subsegmental bronchial level
Topical lidocaine applied progressively ensures comfort throughout the entire procedure
Multiple specimen types collected in a single pass — biopsy, brushings, BAL, and washings
BAL collection accesses alveolar-level cells and organisms unavailable by any other means
Rapid results turnaround — most biopsies available within 5 to 10 working days
Preparation Instructions
After Flexible Bronchoscopy, do not eat or drink until your swallow reflex has fully returned — typically 1 to 2 hours after the procedure. Expect some mild throat soreness and hoarseness for 24 hours from the bronchoscope passage and the topical anaesthetic. Avoid driving for 24 hours after sedation. Results from biopsy and culture specimens are typically available within 5 to 14 days — your pulmonologist will contact you with results and the recommended management plan.
The Procedure
Step-by-step guide to what you can expect during your flexible bronchoscopy procedure.
Pre-Procedure Preparation and Consent
Your pulmonologist reviews all imaging, confirms your medications, allergy history, and fasting status, and explains the procedure clearly — confirming exactly what will be done, what specimens will be collected, and what sensations to expect during the bronchoscopy.
Airway Topical Anaesthesia Application
Lidocaine spray is applied in the throat, vocal cords, and through the bronchoscope into the trachea and major bronchi at each stage of advancement — progressive topical anaesthesia eliminates the cough reflex and ensures comfort throughout.
Systematic Airway Inspection
The bronchoscope is advanced systematically through the larynx, trachea, carina, and all accessible bronchi to the subsegmental level — inspecting every accessible surface for mucosal abnormality, narrowing, extrinsic compression, or endobronchial lesion.
Targeted Biopsy of Abnormal Areas
Any mucosal abnormality, endobronchial mass, or suspicious lesion identified is targeted with biopsy forceps, cytology brush, or needle aspiration — providing tissue specimens for histological analysis that gives the definitive diagnosis.
Bronchoalveolar Lavage Collection
For diffuse lung disease or suspected infection, saline is instilled into a subsegment and aspirated back as bronchoalveolar lavage — collecting cells, organisms, and proteins from the alveolar level for comprehensive cytological and microbiological analysis.
Recovery and Fasting Continuation
You recover in the bronchoscopy suite until your gag reflex has fully returned — confirmed by ability to swallow water safely. Results from biopsies typically arrive within 5 to 10 days and your pulmonologist arranges a results consultation appointment.
What to Expect
Flexible Bronchoscopy is performed under conscious sedation with topical lidocaine sprayed into the airway for local anaesthesia, taking 20 to 40 minutes. The bronchoscope is passed through the nose or mouth into the airways under continuous direct vision, and specimens — biopsies, brushings, washings, or BAL — are collected from the target areas identified on prior imaging. You recover in the bronchoscopy suite for 1 to 2 hours after the procedure before discharge the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about flexible bronchoscopy.
Related Services
Explore other services in our Pulmonology department.
Dilatation Tracheal
EBUS (Endobronchial Ultrasound)
Thoracocentesis
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