Bronchoscopy with Brushing

Bronchoscopy with Brushing

Article
Healthy Lungs
Surgical Procedures
+2
Contributed bySubramanian Malaisamy MD, MRCP (UK), FCCP (USA)+1 moreNov 19, 2019

Background Information:

What are the other Names for the Procedure?

  • Bronchial Brushing
  • Cyto-Brushing
  • Endobronchial Brushing

What is Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure?

  • Bronchoscopy with Brushing is a diagnostic procedure that allows brushings to be done by endobronchial or transbronchial techniques
    • In the endobronchial technique, the brushing is done by direct visualization
    • In the transbronchial technique, the catheter is passed into the smaller airways, sometimes with aid of X-ray fluoroscopy, and the brushing is done subsequently
  • The bronchial airways are airway tubes that carry oxygen to the lungs and are a part of the respiratory tract

What part of the Body does the Procedure involve?

Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure involves bronchoscopic evaluation of the trachea (windpipe) and the large and medium sized bronchi (airways). A catheter with the brush enclosed is then passed through the bronchoscope channel into the airways in the lungs.

Why is the Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure Performed?

The main reasons for performing a Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure include:

  • To diagnose lung cancer
  • To take brushings from lung nodules or lung mass
  • To evaluate pulmonary infections, especially in ventilator-associated pneumonia

What are some Alternative Choices for the Procedure?

Bronchoscopy with transbronchial lung biopsies and bronchial lavage may be considered as alternatives depending on the clinical condition and physician evaluation.

What are the Recent Advances in the Procedure?

Presently, no significant advances specific to this procedure are reported.

What is the Cost of performing the Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure?

The cost of Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure depends on a variety of factors, such as the type of your health insurance, annual deductibles, co-pay requirements, out-of-network and in-network of your healthcare providers and healthcare facilities.

In many cases, an estimate may be provided before the procedure. The final amount depends upon the findings during the surgery/procedure and post-operative care that is necessary.

When do you need a Second Opinion, prior to the Procedure?

  • It is normal for a patient to feel uncomfortable and confused with a sudden inflow of information regarding the Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure and what needs to be done
  • If the patient needs further reassurance or a second opinion, a physician will almost always assist in recommending another physician
  • Also, if the procedure involves multiple steps or has many alternatives, the patient may take a second opinion to understand and choose the best one. They can also choose to approach another physician independently

What are some Helpful Resources?

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15631207 (accessed on 11/11/19)

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/bronchial-brushing (accessed on 11/11/19)

https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/bronchial-brush-biopsy (accessed on 11/11/19)

Prior to Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure:

How is the Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure Performed?

The Bronchoscopy with Brushing is usually an outpatient procedure.

  • The patient is required to be under fasting prior to procedure per the physician recommendation
  • The procedure can be done with following anesthesia: Intravenous medications, such as fentanyl and midazolam combination (conscious sedation), monitored anesthesia care (MAC) using propofol, or general anesthesia (with oral airway)
  • Oxygen is administered for all types of anesthesia. Sometimes, topical anesthesia is sprayed in the oro-pharynx (throat) as well
  • The flexible bronchoscope is then passed into the trachea and the airways inspected
  • Then, the catheter with sterile brush enclosed is passed through a small working channel in the bronchoscope into the airways in the lungs
  • For endobronchial brushing, the sheath is passed into the airways, and under direct visualization, the brush is advanced from the sheath. The samples are collected on the brush, and then the brush is withdrawn back into the sheath
  • For transbronchial brushing, X-ray fluoroscopy may be needed to allow adequate positioning of the catheter in the airways. The brush is then advanced from the sheath and brushings done as explained above
  • It is usual to take 3 to 4 brushings for the slides and cytology
  • Once the procedure is completed, the catheter with brush is removed. The brush tip is cut and sent for microbiology or cytology analysis depending on the clinical condition
  • The bronchoscope is continued to watch for any bleeding issues

Where is the Procedure Performed?

Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure is usually performed in a hospital or an outpatient endoscopy/surgical procedure suite.

Who Performs the Procedure?

The procedure is usually performed by a pulmonologist.

How long will the Procedure take?

Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure is a part of diagnostic bronchoscopy. It may take 30 minutes or more, depending on the addition of other procedures such as a transbronchial lung biopsy. 

On considering the pre-procedure examination and post-procedure recovery time, the total time in the procedure suite is between 4-6 hours.

What do you need to tell your Physician before the Procedure?

It is very important to provide the following information to your healthcare provider prior to the Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure. This enables your healthcare provider in assessing the risks for the procedure and helps avoid complications.

  • Provide medical history such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, etc. (if any)
  • Medication history and any allergies to medications, latex etc.
  • If the patient is under any of the following medications, it has to be promptly informed to the healthcare provider: Aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), ticagrelor (Brilinta), warfarin (coumadin), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa), enoxaparin (Lovenox) etc. and any other blood thinners that he/she is currently taking
  • Any medical or family history of bleeding disorders or blood clots
  • Any unusual effects of anesthesia from prior surgery
  • History of sleep apnea and CPAP use at home

What Preparations are needed, prior to the Procedure?

The physician performing the procedure will evaluate the patient prior to procedure and discuss procedure details with risks for complications and obtain his/her permission (termed informed consent). 

  • If anesthesia team is involved in the procedure, then they too will discuss details of anesthesia with risks for complications and obtain permission from the patient (informed consent)
  • Blood work, glucose, and pregnancy tests (if applicable) will be undertaken per physician recommendations
  • It is strongly advised not to use any cocaine about 7 to 14 days before procedure; and if so, it is important to discuss the same with the physician and anesthesia team
  • Smoking should generally be avoided prior to procedure
  • Generally, the patient is required to be on fast (no solids or liquids) for at least 8 hours prior to the procedure
  • Individuals with diabetes, hypertension, or other cardiac conditions, are required to discuss these (including medications taken) with their attending physician well in advance

What is the Consent Process before the Procedure?

The physician will obtain permission for the Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure using an Informed Consent Form.

Consent for the Procedure: A “consent” is the approval to undergo a procedure. A consent form is signed after the risks and benefits of the procedure, and alternative treatment options, are discussed. This process is called informed consent.

In case of minors and individuals unable to give informed consent, the parent or legal guardian or next of kin can sign the consent for the procedure.

What Tests are needed, before the Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure?

  • Blood tests and pregnancy test (if applicable) may be required prior to the procedure
  • The patient may have already undergone a chest X-ray or CT scan of the chest, or both
  • An EKG may be needed for anesthetic evaluation

What are some Questions for your Physician?

Some of the basic questions that you might ask your physician are as follows:

  • What is a Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure?
  • Why is this procedure necessary?  How will it help?
  • How soon should I get it done? Is it an emergency?
  • Who are the medical personnel involved in this procedure?
  • Where is the procedure performed? 
  • What are the risks while performing the procedure?
  • What are the complications that might take place during recovery?
  • How long will it take to recover? When can I resume normal work?
  • How many such procedures have you (the physician) performed?
  • Are there any follow-up tests, periodic visits to the healthcare facility required, after the procedure?
  • What are the costs involved?

During the Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure:

What kind of Anesthesia is given, during the Procedure?

  • The procedure can be done with following anesthesia: Intravenous medications, such as fentanyl and midazolam combination (conscious sedation), monitored anesthesia care (MAC) using propofol, or general anesthesia (with oral airway)
  • Oxygen is administered for all types of anesthesia. Sometimes, topical anesthesia is sprayed in the oro-pharynx (throat) as well

How much Blood will you lose, during the Procedure?

Bronchoscopy with Brushing is considered a minimally-invasive procedure. It is uncommon to encounter significant bleeding during this procedure.

What are the possible Risks and Complications during the Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure?

The risks or complications that may arise during Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure include:

  • Bleeding in the airways with lung biopsies
  • Lung collapse or pneumothorax
  • Oxygen desaturations, low blood pressure, and arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythm)
  • Anesthesia complications, such as respiratory depression, the need for mechanical ventilation, anaphylactic reactions, etc.

What Post-Operative Care is needed at the Healthcare Facility after the Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure?

  • The patient is usually observed by healthcare professionals (nurses) in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), depending on the type of anesthesia that was given during the procedure
  • The patient’s vital signs are monitored; he/she is observed for complications such as coughing blood
  • A chest X-ray may be performed to rule out lung collapse or pneumothorax

After the Bronchoscopy with Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure:

What are the possible Risks and Complications after the procedure?

The risks and complications that may arise after a Bronchoscopy with Brushing are:

  • Sore throat and cough for 6 to 24 hours after the procedure
  • Low-grade fevers for 6 to 24 hours after procedure if lavage is done
  • Coughing blood or blood clots following biopsies, if any performed
  • Bronchospasm, which is manifested by difficulty in breathing
  • Lung collapse, when biopsies are done
  • Delayed clearance of anesthesia medications leading to prolonged respiratory depression and need for mechanical ventilation
  • Uncommonly, low oxygen saturations or cardiac arrhythmias post procedure may result in the patient being admitted for overnight observation in the hospital. 

What is the Prognosis after the Surgery?

  • The recovery from the Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure is generally excellent
  • The patient is usually discharged after 30 minutes to 2 hours after the procedure. Typically, there may be a follow up with the physician in 2 weeks to review the results

When do you need to call your Physician?

Do contact your physician or call 911 (or your local emergency number) based on the seriousness of any of the following symptoms:

  • Coughing fresh blood
  • Shortness of breath more than usual or unexplained difficulty in breathing
  • Worsening cough
  • Unexplained chest pain

What Post-Operative Care is needed at Home after the Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure?

At home, the following post-operative care is recommended, after Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure:

  • Take simple analgesics, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil), if needed
  • Avoid any strenuous activity for a period recommended by the physician
  • Do not drive (post-procedure) for a period of 24 hours
  • Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol post-procedure
  • Continue prescribed medications except for aspirin or blood thinners. It is important to check with the physician on when to resume aspirin or blood thinners
  • Do not sign any legal documents post-procedure for a period of 24 hours

How long does it normally take to fully recover, from the Procedure?

Usually, it takes about 12 to 24 hours to completely recover from the effects of the anesthesia and bronchoscopy procedure.

Additional Information:

What happens to tissue/samples (if any), taken during the Procedure?

The samples/tissue are usually sent to the microbiology and pathology departments in the hospital and subsequently disposed, as per the standard hospital protocol.

When should you expect results from the pathologist regarding tissue taken out, during the Procedure?

  • The samples/tissue is processed in the laboratory under a pathologist's supervision
  • Slide(s) are prepared once the tissue is processed and this is examined by a pathologist and a pathology report issued
  • Depending on the complexity of the case, issue of the report may take anywhere between 72 hours to a week's time

Who will you receive a Bill from, after the Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure?

It is important to note that the number of bills that the patient may receive depends on the arrangement the healthcare facility has with the physician and other healthcare providers.

Sometimes, the patient may get a single bill that includes the healthcare facility and the consultant physician charges. Sometimes, the patient might get multiple bills depending on the healthcare provider involved. For instance, the patient may get a bill from:

  • The outpatient facility or hospital
  • The pulmonologist or thoracic surgeon
  • An anesthesiologist (if anesthesia was administered)
  • A pathologist (if the tissue was sent for analysis)

The patient is advised to inquire and confirm the type of billing, before the Bronchoscopy with Brushing procedure is performed.

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On the Article

Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
Approved by

Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team
Subramanian Malaisamy MD, MRCP (UK), FCCP (USA) picture
Author

Subramanian Malaisamy MD, MRCP (UK), FCCP (USA)

Associate Chief Medical Officer, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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