In medicine, bronchoscopy is the visualization of the lower airways using a flexible or rigid endoscope.
Bronchoscopy is often performed for diagnostic purposes (diagnosis of tumor, bleeding, infection, or trauma). The diagnostic procedure of bronchoalveolar lavage is also performed by bronchoscopy. It is also useful in the treatment of airway obstruction by tumors or foreign bodies, for removal of secretions and as an assistive technique in difficult intubation of the trachea.
There are two types of bronchoscopes: flexible (fiberoptic) and rigid. Flexible bronchoscopy is often performed under local anesthesia with the patient awake. Rigid bronchoscopes may be employed to remove foreign bodies or to place stents. Such procedures are done under general anesthesia.
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