Bronchoscopy

Navigational bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose cancer and other diseases in hard-to-reach areas of the lungs and airways. Doctors use the technique to diagnose and stage cancer without invasive biopsy surgery.

How navigational bronchoscopy works

Our lung specialists, or interventional pulmonologists, use a special tool called a navigational bronchoscope to look inside the lungs and airways. This is a flexible tube with a camera and small instruments attached at the end.

Sensors in this bronchoscope act like a GPS in the lung to help doctors guide tools to the precise location of the problem. Specially designed instruments inserted through the bronchoscope allow doctors to biopsy tissue samples, remove tumors and place medical devices like stents or markers.

Navigational bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure typically performed in an outpatient setting. That means you go home the same day as your procedure. It causes less pain, reduces risk of complications and shortens recovery time, compared to surgical procedures.

Who is a candidate for this procedure

We use navigational bronchoscopy to diagnose and treat patients with lung cancer or conditions that are diffiicult to access with a standard bronchoscope. The precision and accuracy of navigational bronchoscopy allows the interventional pulmonologist to access even the smallest lesions in the most distant regions of the lungs, where the lesions can be biopsied and staged. If needed, markers can be placed to guide thoracic surgeons and radiation oncologists to the site of the cancer.

Here are ways we use navigational bronchoscopy.

  • Biopsy tissue samples for cancer
  • Examine suspicious areas seen on X-rays or CT scans
  • Evaluate nearby lymph nodes where cancer may spread
  • Place markers for future treatment
  • Remove blockages from airways, such as tumors or growths

A navigational bronchoscopy can aid in earlier detection of lung tumors. The specific genetic characteristics and stage of the tumor can be identified, allowing your doctor to create a highly specialized treatment plan to fit your specific needs.

Treating breathing disorders and diseases with interventional procedures

We offer a range of interventional pulmonology procedures and supportive services to help you get the treatment you need and breathe easier.

Rigid Bronchoscopy

Rigid bronchoscopy is an interventional pulmonology technique used to diagnose diseases in the lungs and airways including lung infections, airway blockages and lung cancer. It is considered the gold standard for treatment to control excessive bleeding in the airways, remove blockages or place medical devices to open air passageways.

How rigid bronchoscopy works

A lung specialist, or interventional pulmonologist, inserts a straight, hollow metal tube called a bronchoscope into the lungs and air passages. Small instruments and high resolution cameras inserted into the tube allow doctors to view the lungs and airways, biopsy tissue, remove growths, stop bleeding or place stents to keep airways open.

Rigid bronchoscopy is usually performed in an outpatient setting. That means you go home the same day as your procedure. It causes less pain, reduces risk of complications and shortens recovery time, compared to major surgery.

Who is a candidate for this procedure

Your doctor may recommend rigid bronchoscopy to diagnose lung cancer or problems in the main airways of your lungs.

  • Biopsy tissue samples
  • Examine suspicious areas seen on X-rays or CT scans
  • Evaluate nearby lymph nodes where cancer may spread
  • Place stents to open airways
  • Remove blockages from airways, such as tumors or growths
  • Control bleeding in airways

You and your doctor can use the results of a rigid bronchoscopy to decide on an approach to care that fits your individual needs.

Treating breathing disorders and diseases with interventional procedures

We offer a range of interventional pulmonology procedures and supportive services to help you get the treatment you need and breathe easier.

We're Here to Help

Our minimally invasive interventional pulmonology services offer an alternative to invasive surgery for patients with cancers and diseases of the lungs and chest. Contact Goshen Center for Cancer Care to learn more about our treatment options and approach to care. (888) 492-4673 (HOPE)

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