Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a thin, flexible or rigid instrument is used to examine the airways. Depending on the clinical indication, it can help investigate persistent respiratory symptoms, obtain samples, assess airway abnormalities or support selected airway treatments.
Endobronchial ultrasound combines bronchoscopy with ultrasound imaging to assess structures near the airways, including lymph nodes in the chest. In appropriate cases, it can guide needle sampling to help investigate enlarged lymph nodes, suspected cancer and other chest conditions.
A transbronchial lung biopsy collects small tissue samples through the airways. It may be considered when clinicians need tissue to investigate selected lung abnormalities or interstitial lung diseases. The decision depends on imaging, clinical findings, potential benefits and procedural risks.
Transbronchial cryobiopsy uses a specialised probe to obtain lung tissue samples. It may be considered in selected patients when larger tissue samples are needed for diagnosis. It requires careful patient selection and specialist assessment because bleeding and other complications can occur.
Airway dilation aims to widen an abnormally narrowed airway to improve airflow. Depending on the cause and location of the narrowing, a specialist may consider dilation during bronchoscopy. Assessment is needed to determine the cause of obstruction and the most appropriate treatment approach.
An airway stent is a device placed inside a narrowed or weakened airway to help keep it open. It may be considered for selected cases of significant airway obstruction or structural narrowing. The type of stent, expected benefit and follow-up requirements depend on the individual case.
Radial EBUS uses a small ultrasound probe to help locate peripheral lung lesions during diagnostic evaluation. It may help guide sampling of selected nodules or masses that are difficult to reach using conventional bronchoscopy alone. The approach depends on lesion location and imaging findings.
CBCT-guided biopsy uses cone-beam computed tomography imaging to help guide sampling of selected lung lesions during an interventional procedure. It can assist clinicians in locating a target and obtaining tissue for diagnosis. Suitability depends on the lesion, available technology and patient-specific risks.
Rigid bronchoscopy uses a firm, hollow instrument to access the central airways. In selected situations, it may be used to manage significant airway obstruction, remove certain foreign bodies or support therapeutic procedures. It requires specialist expertise and appropriate procedural facilities.
Pleural effusion is a collection of fluid around the lungs. Evaluation may involve clinical examination, imaging and fluid sampling to investigate possible causes such as infection, inflammation, heart conditions or cancer. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, the amount of fluid and the patient's symptoms.
An indwelling pleural catheter is a tube placed into the pleural space to help drain recurrent fluid around the lungs. It may be appropriate for selected patients with recurrent pleural effusions. A clinician assesses the cause of the fluid, the patient's overall condition and ongoing drainage needs.
Pleurodesis is a procedure intended to make the layers surrounding the lung adhere to one another, reducing the chance of fluid or air collecting again. It may be considered for selected recurrent pleural effusions or pneumothorax cases, depending on the underlying condition and patient suitability.
Interstitial lung diseases affect the tissue surrounding the air sacs and may cause breathlessness, persistent dry cough or reduced exercise tolerance. Evaluation may include lung function testing, imaging, blood tests and, in selected cases, tissue sampling. Management depends on the specific diagnosis and disease progression.
Pulmonary nodules are small areas of abnormal tissue in the lung, often identified during imaging. Assessment considers their size, appearance, change over time and individual risk factors. Some nodules need monitoring, while others may require further imaging or a diagnostic procedure.
A foreign body in the airway can cause coughing, wheezing, breathing difficulty or persistent infection. Bronchoscopic removal may be considered when an object is lodged in the respiratory tract. The urgency and method depend on its location, the patient's condition and the risk of airway compromise.
Sleep-related breathing disorders, including obstructive sleep apnoea, can cause snoring, interrupted sleep and daytime sleepiness. Assessment may include a medical history, examination and a sleep study when indicated. Treatment depends on the diagnosis, severity and contributing health factors.