Bronchoscopy Consent 🫁

Consent guide for bronchoscopy. Procedure explanation, risks, benefits, alternatives, and patient information for obtaining informed consent.

🔍 Procedure

Bronchoscopy – direct visualisation of the tracheobronchial tree using a flexible or rigid endoscope inserted via the nose or mouth.

Investigation of persistent cough, haemoptysis, or abnormal chest imaging
Diagnosis of suspected lung cancer or infection
Foreign body removal or airway obstruction evaluation
Bronchoalveolar lavage or tissue biopsy
Evaluation and sampling of known or suspected lung pathology using techniques such as BAL, brushings, biopsies, or needle aspiration

Performed under conscious sedation with local anaesthetic to nose/throat.
A flexible or rigid bronchoscope is inserted via the nose or mouth into the tracheobronchial tree.
Visual inspection is followed by diagnostic procedures if indicated: washings (BAL), brushings, endobronchial biopsy, transbronchial biopsy, or needle aspiration.
Procedure duration is typically 15–30 minutes.
Post-procedure monitoring includes vitals, oxygenation, and return of gag reflex. CXR if biopsy performed.

Common (>5%): Low oxygen levels (may require supplemental oxygen), collapsed lung (pneumothorax) possibly requiring chest drain and longer hospital stay, especially after trans-bronchial biopsy or brushings. Obese patients have increased risk of infection, heart/lung complications, and thrombosis.
Uncommon (1–5%): Heart strain or arrhythmias, nasal or post-biopsy bleeding (especially with anticoagulants), asthma-like bronchospasm managed with inhalers.
Rare (<1%): Laryngospasm (brief narrowing of vocal cords), fever (usually self-limiting with paracetamol), death (very rare).

Will I be asleep? — You’ll be sedated and made comfortable but usually remain semi-awake.
Will it be painful? — It may be uncomfortable, but local anaesthetic and sedation reduce this.
Can I go home after? — Usually, yes — once fully recovered from sedation.
Will I be able to eat afterwards? — Yes, after your gag reflex has returned (typically ~1 hour).
Will I be able to talk afterwards? — Yes, but you may feel hoarse for a short while.

Check coagulation status and anticoagulation – may need to pause DOACs/warfarin
Ensure recent imaging available (e.g. CT chest)
Assess for allergies (especially to local anaesthetic or sedatives)
Nil by mouth 4–6 hours pre-procedure
Post-procedure chest X-ray if biopsy or deep sampling performed to rule out pneumothorax
Ensure interpreter or cultural liaison if communication barriers present

"We are recommending a bronchoscopy to examine your airways and possibly take samples to help with diagnosis."
"You’ll receive sedation and numbing spray, and we’ll pass a thin camera into your lungs via your nose or mouth."
"Risks include sore throat, coughing, mild bleeding or rarely more serious problems like lung collapse."
"You’ll be monitored afterwards and can usually go home the same day. Do you have any questions?"