Bronchoscopy in Kolkata, West Bengal
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 inf…
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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.
30-60 minutes
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
₹3,000 - ₹10,000
Local spray with IV sedation
99%
Outpatient
Why Bronchoscopy Is Needed
Bronchoscopy is performed to investigate abnormal findings on a chest X-ray or CT scan, such as a suspicious lung mass, persistent infiltrate, or unexplained lung collapse. It's also used to diagnose the cause of unexplained coughing up blood, chronic cough, or suspected tuberculosis and other infections, and to remove foreign objects or excess mucus blocking the airway.
Signs You May Need Bronchoscopy
Persistent cough lasting weeks, coughing up blood, unexplained shortness of breath, or wheezing that doesn't respond to standard treatment are common reasons a doctor recommends bronchoscopy. Recurrent pneumonia in the same area of the lung or abnormal shadows seen on imaging also point toward the need for direct airway visualization.
Types of Bronchoscopy
Flexible bronchoscopy, using a thin tube through the nose or mouth under sedation, is the most common approach for diagnosis and biopsy. Rigid bronchoscopy, performed under general anesthesia, is reserved for removing large foreign bodies, controlling significant bleeding, or placing airway stents. Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) is a specialized variant that allows biopsy of lymph nodes near the airway for cancer staging.
Hospitals offering Bronchoscopy (0)
No hospitals listed yet for this procedure in Kolkata, West Bengal — check back soon or browse all hospitals.
Specialists offering Bronchoscopy (0)
No specialists listed yet for this procedure in Kolkata, West Bengal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is bronchoscopy painful?
The throat is numbed and sedation is given, so most patients feel pressure or an urge to cough rather than pain, with only mild soreness afterward.
How long does it take to recover from a bronchoscopy?
Most people recover within a few hours, though throat soreness and mild cough can persist for about 24 hours.
Can I eat before a bronchoscopy?
No, you'll need to fast for several hours beforehand as instructed by your doctor to reduce the risk of aspiration during the procedure.
Is bronchoscopy safe?
Yes, it has a success and safety rate around 99%, though your doctor will review your specific risk factors, especially if you have bleeding disorders or severe breathing difficulty.
When will I get my biopsy results?
Basic results may be available within a few days, though cultures and specialized pathology can take a week or more — your pulmonologist will explain the expected timeline.