Bronchoscopy

The cost of a bronchoscopy depends on your individual circumstances. At the time of your appointment your consultant will discuss all options with you and ensure all your questions are answered.

Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant's outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you.

Your consultant may recommend a bronchoscopy if you have problems with your lungs or airways such as difficulty breathing, a persistent cough, or shortness of breath.

A bronchoscopy can also be used to:

• Investigate any abnormalities seen on a chest X-ray or CT scan
• Remove blockages or foreign objects from your airways
• Treat lung infections
• Remove samples of tissue (biopsy) for analysis
• Determine the stage and severity of lung cancer
• Place a stent in an airway to keep it open

The main benefit of a bronchoscopy is that it is a minimally invasive, generally safe procedure that allows your consultant to examine your airways and diagnose and treat problems with your lungs or airways.

There is no real alternative to having a bronchoscopy, but depending on your symptoms, and reason for having a bronchoscopy, alternative tests may include a chest X-ray, CT scan, or lung biopsy.

At your first consultation, you will be seen by a respiratory consultant, a doctor specialising in conditions affecting the lungs and airways.

Your consultant will ask you about your symptoms, general health, medical history, and any medications you take regularly. They will perform a physical examination including listening to your chest with a stethoscope. Your consultant may ask to see the results of any tests or scans you have had previously, or they may arrange them on the day. These may include a chest X-ray, CT scan, blood tests, and lung function tests.

Your first appointment is important as it’s where you’ll meet your consultant, the doctor responsible for your care. Your consultant will take time to get to know you, discuss your expectations for treatment and encourage you to ask any questions you may have. At Circle Health Group, we want you to be as well-informed and comfortable as possible during your time with us, so please discuss any questions or concerns with your consultant during your appointment.

At the end of your appointment, your consultant will decide if a bronchoscopy is a suitable procedure for you based on your symptoms, physical examination and the results of any tests or scans. They will explain the procedure to you in full, including how to prepare for your bronchoscopy, what to expect during and after the procedure, and any possible risks and complications.

Your consultant will tell you everything you need to do to prepare for your bronchoscopy. Instructions on how to prepare will also be in your appointment letter. If there’s anything you’re not sure about, or if you have any questions, please contact the hospital for advice.

You will not be able to eat or drink anything for a certain period of time before your bronchoscopy. This may be from midnight on the day of your procedure or for four to six hours before your bronchoscopy. Instructions on when you can eat and drink will be in your appointment letter.

Tell your consultant about any medications, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements you are taking before your bronchoscopy. Your consultant may advise you to stop or change the dosage of some medicines such as blood thinners, and diabetes medications before your procedure.

Wear loose, comfortable clothes that are easy to take off and put on to your bronchoscopy appointment. Do not wear nail varnish and leave any valuables and jewellery at home. You will need to remove any contact lenses, glasses, dentures, and hearing aids before your procedure.

Before your bronchoscopy, you’ll need to sign a consent form to say that you agree to have the procedure and are aware of what it entails and the possible risks and complications.

When you arrive at the hospital, you’ll be asked to change into a hospital gown and a nurse will check your pulse, blood pressure, oxygen levels and blood sugar (if you are diabetic). You’ll be asked to lie on an examination couch and positioned with your head slightly raised. A small plastic tube called a cannula will be inserted into your hand or arm to administer any medication. 

You may be offered a sedative before your bronchoscopy. This will not put you to sleep like a general anaesthetic but will make you feel sleepy and relaxed during your bronchoscopy. Your consultant will also spray your mouth and throat with numbing medicine (local anaesthetic) to numb the area before starting the procedure.

Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, your consultant will pass the bronchoscope through your mouth or nose and into your airways.

Some procedures your consultant may perform during your bronchoscopy include:

• Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken and sent to the laboratory to check for abnormalities 
• Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL): A small amount of salt water (saline) is passed through the bronchoscope and suctioned back out. The fluid is then sent to the laboratory to check for abnormal cells.
• Bronchial brushing: Cell samples are taken from your airway lining using a small brush. The cells are then checked for cancer cells.

You may cough during your bronchoscopy, but the procedure should not be painful or uncomfortable. Your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen level will be monitored during the procedure. You’ll be given oxygen if necessary. A bronchoscopy normally takes around 15 minutes.

How quickly you recover from your bronchoscopy depends on whether you were given any sedation before the procedure. If you were given a sedative, you can normally expect to recover after around two to three hours.

After your bronchoscopy, you may experience some side effects including:

• A sore throat (this is usually mild)
• Traces of blood when you cough, or blow your nose
• Mild, flu-like symptoms

These side effects are normal and should resolve within a couple of days. If you are worried about your side effects, or they last longer than 48 hours, call the hospital for advice.

If you were given sedation before your bronchoscopy, you’ll need to take it easy at home for the next 24 hours and have someone stay with you overnight. Do not drive, operate machinery, make important decisions, or drink alcohol for 24 hours after your bronchoscopy.

You should not eat and drink until the numbness has worn off after your bronchoscopy. Start with sips of water and stick with soft foods while your throat is still sore.

A bronchoscopy is normally performed as an outpatient procedure, and you can usually go home once you have recovered from your sedation. In most cases, you can return to work the next day.

You’ll be given a follow-up appointment to discuss the results of your bronchoscopy.

A bronchoscopy is a generally safe procedure, but as with all medical procedures, there is a small risk that complications can occur. Your consultant will explain all the possible risks and complications of having a bronchoscopy before your procedure and answer any questions you may have. It’s important that you are fully informed about any possible risks and complications before your procedure and are able to make an informed decision.

Possible complications of bronchoscopy may include:

• Bleeding: This is usually minor, but may occur if your airways are damaged, or if you have a biopsy during your procedure
• Fever: This is common following a bronchoscopy and usually resolves on its own
• Sore throat
• Hoarse voice
• Cough
• Infection
• Collapsed lung: This is a rare complication that can usually be treated easily
• Bronchial perforation: A rare complication where a hole is made in an airway
• Bronchospasm: Irritation of the airways leading to narrowing and difficulty breathing
• Laryngospasm: Irritation of the vocal cords
• Allergic reaction to the sedative

At Circle Health Group, we have the experience and expertise to ensure the best possible care and outcome for our patients. As a patient with Circle Health Group, you can expect the highest standards of care including:

• Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private ensuite rooms as standard
• A range of delicious healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about bronchoscopy, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0808 189 5499.

1. Bronchoscopy Johns Hopkins Medicine
2. Bronchoscopy Cancer Research UK
3. Bronchoscopy Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
4. Having a Bronchoscopy University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust