Bronchoscopy
Pulmonology · Pulmonology
30-60 minutes
Duration
Outpatient
Setting
Rest 2-3 hours; throat soreness and cough for 24 hours; do not eat or drink until gag reflex returns (1-2 hours); arrange a driver
Recovery
₹3,000 - ₹10,000+
Cost
📖About Bronchoscopy
A thin flexible tube with a camera is passed through the nose or mouth into the airways to visualize the trachea, bronchi, and lung tissue. Used to diagnose infections, tumors, bleeding, and to collect biopsy samples.
Duration
30-60 minutes
Setting
Outpatient
Recovery
Rest 2-3 hours; throat soreness and cough for 24 hours; do not eat or drink until gag reflex returns (1-2 hours); arrange a driver
Cost Range
₹3,000 - ₹10,000
Anaesthesia
Local spray with IV sedation
Success Rate
99%
Find Pulmonology Specialists
Connect with 500+ verified Pulmonology specialists for Bronchoscopy. Real patient reviews, instant appointments, and insurance support.
📋Indications — Who Needs This Procedure?
- 1Unexplained symptoms requiring diagnostic clarification or confirmation
- 2Monitoring of a known condition to assess treatment response or disease progression
- 3Pre-operative workup to confirm fitness or guide surgical planning
- 4Screening in high-risk individuals as per clinical guidelines
- 5Therapeutic intervention where non-invasive or conservative options have been inadequate
Star Health Insurance
FeaturedIndia's #1 Standalone Health Insurer
Comprehensive health cover for individuals & families from ₹299/month. Cashless treatment at 14,000+ hospitals across India.
🔬How the Procedure is Performed
- 1Check-in and pre-procedure assessment — vitals, allergy review, consent signing
- 2Administration of local spray with iv sedation to ensure comfort throughout
- 3Execution of the core procedure: a thin flexible tube with a camera is passed through the nose or mouth into the airways to visualize the trachea, bronchi, and lung tissue. used to diagnose infections, tumors, bleeding, and to collect biopsy samples.
- 4Real-time monitoring of vital signs and patient response throughout
- 5Completion and immediate post-procedure observation in the recovery area
- 6Results or imaging reviewed by the specialist; findings communicated to the patient
✅Benefits
- 1Accurate diagnosis enabling targeted and timely treatment
- 2Minimally invasive with significantly lower risk compared to open surgery
- 3Most procedures are outpatient — no overnight hospital stay required
- 4Documented success rate of 99% when performed at accredited facilities
- 5Rapid turnaround — results or therapeutic effect within Rest 2-3 hours; throat soreness and cough for 24 hours; do not eat or drink until gag reflex returns (1-2 hours); arrange a driver
Star Health Insurance
FeaturedIndia's #1 Standalone Health Insurer
Comprehensive health cover for individuals & families from ₹299/month. Cashless treatment at 14,000+ hospitals across India.
📝Pre-Procedure Preparation
- 1Fasting 6-8 hours
- 2blood tests and chest X-ray
- 3stop blood thinners
- 4remove dentures
- 5throat spray administered
⚠️Risks & Considerations
- 1Adverse reaction to local spray with iv sedation — rare but possible
- 2Temporary soreness, bruising, or swelling at the procedure site
- 3Small risk of infection if the procedure involves any breach of the skin or mucosa
- 4Incomplete result requiring a repeat procedure or alternative investigation
- 5Rare serious complications — discussed in detail during informed consent
🩹Recovery & Aftercare
- 1Rest for the remainder of the day; light activity may resume the following day
- 2Follow all post-procedure dietary or activity restrictions provided by your care team
- 3Take any prescribed medications as directed; do not self-medicate
- 4Attend follow-up appointments to review results and discuss next steps
- 5Contact your specialist immediately if you experience severe pain, fever, or unusual symptoms
Procedure Journey — What to Expect
Before the Procedure
Fasting, skin prep, consent signing, IV access setup. Anaesthesia or sedation administered if required.
During the Procedure
The Bronchoscopy is performed. Vital signs monitored continuously. Duration typically Rest 2-3 hours; throat soreness and cough for 24 hours; do not eat or drink until gag reflex returns (1-2 hours); arrange a driver from start to finish.
Immediate Recovery
Monitored in recovery bay until stable. Mild sedation wears off. Results may be communicated the same day.
Follow-up & Results
Review with your specialist within 1–2 weeks. Next steps discussed based on findings. Additional procedures may be recommended.
Bronchoscopy Cost in India (2024–25)
| Component | Govt / Budget | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist / Radiologist Fee | ₹500 – ₹2,000 | ₹2,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Facility / Procedure Room | ₹1,000 – ₹5,000 | ₹5,000 – ₹20,000 |
| Anaesthesia / Sedation | ₹1,000 – ₹3,000 | ₹3,000 – ₹10,000 |
| Contrast / Consumables | ₹500 – ₹2,000 | ₹2,000 – ₹8,000 |
| Follow-up Consultation | ₹300 – ₹800 | ₹800 – ₹2,500 |
* Estimates for India 2024–25. CGHS / Ayushman Bharat may cover eligible procedures. Costs vary by city, centre, and complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bronchoscopy?+
A thin flexible tube with a camera is passed through the nose or mouth into the airways to visualize the trachea, bronchi, and lung tissue. Used to diagnose infections, tumors, bleeding, and to collect biopsy samples.
Who needs Bronchoscopy?+
Bronchoscopy is recommended for patients with specific symptoms, abnormal test results, or as part of a planned treatment pathway. Your Pulmonology specialist will evaluate your suitability.
What type of anaesthesia is used?+
Bronchoscopy is typically performed with Local spray with IV sedation. The anaesthesia team will review your health history and allergies before the procedure.
How long does the procedure take?+
The typical duration is noted in the quick stats above. This may vary depending on complexity and individual patient factors.
What are the risks of Bronchoscopy?+
Risks include minor discomfort, bruising, rare infection, and in some cases incomplete results requiring repeat testing. Serious complications are uncommon but are discussed at consent.
What is the success rate of Bronchoscopy?+
Bronchoscopy has a documented success rate of 99% at accredited centres. Individual outcomes depend on the underlying condition, patient health, and care team expertise.
Community Q&A
Ready to Book This Procedure?
Connect with experienced Pulmonology specialists at top accredited centres. Get expert guidance and personalised care today.
Sponsored
Book a Procedure Consult
Find the right specialist near you
Why Lab Dekho?
- ✅500+ verified specialists
- 🏥200+ accredited centres
- 💰Transparent pricing & EMI
- 🔒Insurance & cashless support
- 📞24/7 medical helpline
Book a Specialist Consultation
Talk to a Pulmonology expert today
Quick Cost Estimate
Specialists Available Now
Consult online · Avg wait 10 min
Sponsored
Book a Procedure Consult
Find the right specialist near you
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer
This page is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified specialist before deciding on any procedure. In emergencies, call 112.