Bronchoscopy

What Is a Bronchoscopy?

Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows our pulmonary and critical care specialists to view the inside of your airways using a thin, flexible tube called a bronchoscope. This tool is inserted through your nose or mouth and gently guided into the lungs.

We use bronchoscopy to:

• Inspect the lungs and airways for abnormalities
• Collect tissue samples using forceps or a needle
• Diagnose or rule out conditions like lung cancer, pneumonia, tuberculosis, or sarcoidosis
• Guide treatment plans for complex pulmonary diseases
  
  

Types of Bronchoscopy Performed at Stat Care Pulmonary and Sleep

1. Endobronchial Ultrasound (EBUS)

EBUS is an advanced type of bronchoscopy that uses ultrasound technology to visualize structures beyond the airways—particularly lymph nodes in the mediastinum. This allows for precise, real-time guidance during needle biopsies of areas that cannot be seen directly.

Benefits of EBUS:

• Accurate staging of lung cancer
• Minimally invasive sampling of mediastinal masses or lymph nodes
• Avoids need for surgical biopsy
  
  

2. Transbronchial Biopsy (TBB)

During a bronchoscopy, our specialists may perform a Transbronchial Biopsy (TBB)—a technique that uses tiny forceps to collect tissue samples from the lung. TBB is commonly used to diagnose:

• Interstitial lung disease (ILD)
• Granulomatous disease (such as sarcoidosis)
• Infections and infiltrates seen on a CT scan
  
  

3. Navigation Bronchoscopy

For suspicious lung nodules located in hard-to-reach areas, we utilize Navigation Bronchoscopy. This advanced procedure uses GPS-like technology to navigate the bronchoscope deep into the lungs, enhancing accuracy in:

• Biopsying small or peripheral nodules
• Diagnosing early-stage lung cancer
• Planning surgical or oncologic treatment
  
  

When Is a Bronchoscopy Recommended?

Our pulmonary team may recommend a bronchoscopy if you experience:

• Persistent cough or unexplained shortness of breath
• Abnormal findings on a CT scan or chest X-ray
• Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
• Enlarged lymph nodes or masses in the mediastinum
• Recurring pneumonia or infections
  
  

What to Expect During the Procedure

• Preparation: You may need to fast before the procedure. Sedation or anesthesia is typically used.
• Procedure: The bronchoscope is gently inserted and used to view the airways, take samples using a needle or forceps, and perform biopsies (TBB or EBUS-guided).
  Recovery: Most patients go home the same day with minimal downtime. You may have a mild sore throat or cough for a short period.
  
  

Expert Pulmonary Care in St. Petersburg

At Stat Care Pulmonary and Sleep, our board-certified pulmonary and critical care specialists are committed to offering the latest diagnostic techniques in a compassionate, patient-centered environment. With in-office bronchoscopy capabilities and access to advanced technologies like EBUS and Navigation Bronchoscopy, we deliver the clarity and confidence you need to move forward with care.

Schedule Your Evaluation Today

If you’ve been referred for a bronchoscopy or need a second opinion on your CT scan, contact Stat Care Pulmonary and Sleep in St. Petersburg today. Our team is here to guide you through the diagnostic process and support your journey to better lung health.