FAQs on Paediatric and Neonatal Flexible Bronchoscopy

By Dr. Ankit Parakh in Centre For Child Health

Jan 25 , 2024 | 1 min read

What is flexible bronchoscopy?

A flexible bronchoscope is a thin, flexible tube with a camera at its tip. A flexible bronchoscope is used to examine the airways of children with respiratory issues. A flexible bronchoscope is gently passed through the baby's nose, and a detailed examination of the airways is done. Very high-quality images are obtained, and video recording is done.

In addition, flexible bronchoscopy allows the collection of samples/secretions for detailed microbiological tests, which could be extremely useful in treatment.

What areas can be examined with flexible bronchoscopy?

Flexible bronchoscopy gives a detailed examination of the airways starting from the nose, back of nose and throat, larynx or voice box, vocal cords, trachea or windpipe and bronchi.

What are the situations where flexible bronchoscopy is required in children?

There are many clinical situations where a flexible bronchoscopy is very useful in the management of a child's health. These could be

Children who have noisy breathing/stridor
Children with persistent pneumonia
Young children who have repeated episodes of wheezing
Infants with wheezing which are not improving with treatment
Children with probable foreign body aspiration
Children with chronic cough
Children with suspected tuberculosis
Children with tuberculosis who are not improving with treatment

What preparation is required for bronchoscopy in children?

Flexible bronchoscopy is a short procedure which is usually performed in the bronchoscopy room in the hospital. Parents are asked to keep the child nil orally for 3 hours prior to the procedure. On arrival, the child is taken to the bronchoscopy suite, where an IV line is inserted, an equipment check is performed, and other necessary preparations are completed prior to starting the bronchoscopy.

Oftentimes, children are mildly sedated to make them more comfortable during the procedure. It takes around 10-15 minutes to complete the procedure. After bronchoscopy, the child is observed for an hour, allowed oral feeds and then sent home after reassessment.

What are the risks and complications associated with bronchoscopy in children?

Flexible bronchoscopy is a safe procedure. There is no pain associated with the procedure. Occasionally, children can get a small amount of nosebleeds or a dip in oxygen levels, which can easily be managed.