Bronchoscopy with Transbronchial Biopsy
Alternate Names : Biopsy - Lung
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How will the Test Feel?
Local anesthesia is used to relax your throat muscles, and you may feel fluid running down the back of the throat and the need to cough or gag until the anesthetic takes effect.
Despite the anesthesia, you may have sensations of pressure or mild tugging as the tube moves through the trachea. Many patients experience a feeling of suffocation when the tube is in the throat, but there is no risk of suffocation. Try to remain calm. If you cough during the test, more anesthetic will be added.
An X-ray is often taken after the bronchoscope is removed. When the anesthetic wears off, your throat may be scratchy for several days. After the test, your cough reflex will return in 1 to 2 hours, then normal eating and drinking is allowed.
It is common after a transbronchial biopsy to cough up small amounts of blood-tinged sputum for a day. The pulmonologist will give you instructions on whom to contact should you cough up significant amounts of blood.
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