The lungs are host to many diseases, like tuberculosis,
cancer, pneumonia, asthma, etc. In order to treat them properly, specialized
diagnostic tests are required – bronchoscopy is one such test. It involves the
insertion of a flexible endoscope or bronchoscope through either the mouth or
the nose into the lungs and the respiratory system. The bronchoscope is
connected to a camera and monitor to visualize the interior of the lungs. One
can see various abnormalities like cancer growths, bleeding spots, foreign
bodies, etc. Additionally, the bronchoscope is hollow – like a pipe – through
which special instruments can be passed in order to take pieces (called
biopsies) from abnormal areas seen inside. These pieces or biopsies are then
studied under the microscope for proper and accurate diagnosis of various
diseases.
Various types and sizes of bronchoscopes are available for
all ages and diseases. One of the new type is called an Endo bronchial
ultrasound bronchoscope or an EBUS scope. The EBUS scope has an ultrasound
transducer built-in into the tip of the scope – which is the end that goes into
the lungs. With the help of the ultrasound the internal structures can be
accurately imaged and all biopsies taken directly under guidance of the
ultrasound. This increases the safety, accuracy and yield of the procedure.
The diseases which usually need bronchoscopy for diagnosis
include lung cancer, sarcoidosis, some types of tuberculosis, interstitial lung
disease (lung shrinkage), etc. Another important use is the removal of foreign
bodies especially in children.
