An endobronchial biopsy is a procedure that uses a bronchoscope to take tissue samples from inside the airways (bronchi). This is often done to diagnose lung diseases, including infections, inflammatory diseases, and cancer.
Overview of the Procedure:
- Preparation:
- The patient is typically sedated, and sometimes a local anesthetic is applied to numb the throat.
- The bronchoscope, a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light at the end, is inserted through the nose or mouth and down into the bronchi.
- Bronchoscopy:
- The bronchoscope allows the doctor to view the inside of the airways and identify abnormal areas.
- Using the bronchoscope, specialized tools can be inserted to take small tissue samples from the lining of the bronchi.
- Biopsy:
- The tissue samples are collected from suspicious areas seen during the bronchoscopy.
- These samples are then sent to a lab for analysis, where they are examined under a microscope to identify any abnormalities, such as cancerous cells or signs of infection.
- Post-Procedure:
- The patient is monitored for a short period after the procedure to ensure there are no complications, such as bleeding or pneumothorax (collapsed lung).
- Results from the biopsy can take a few days, depending on the complexity of the analysis.
Indications:
- Suspected lung cancer or other tumors.
- Evaluation of chronic cough, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), or abnormal imaging findings.
- Diagnosing infections like tuberculosis or fungal infections.
- Assessing inflammatory conditions like sarcoidosis.
Risks:
- Bleeding at the biopsy site.
- Infection.
- Pneumothorax, although rare.
- Sore throat, cough, or hoarseness following the procedure.
Endobronchial biopsy is a valuable diagnostic tool that helps in the early detection and management of various lung conditions.