Flexible Bronchoscopy is a non-complicated safe procedure.
We do these procedures on daily basis and are prepared for types of adverse events during procedure and equipped to handle emergencies. Most side effects occur whilst you are in hospital and will be attended to with monitoring.
The rare side effects that may occur after discharge are listed so that you can watch out for them and act immediately.
| Common side effects during or immediately after the procedure |
What to Do |
Cough post procedure
Coughing blood mixed with sputum |
Self-resolve over 24h |
| Tiredness |
Self-resolve in 24h |
| Sore throat |
Difflam lozenges or throat spray for 48h |
| Feeling as if you have flu (30% of patients after a wash/lavage) |
Take paracetamol
Take your temperature
This should be below 38.5 C |
| Bleeding during procedure |
We are prepared for a bleed specially during a biopsy. |
| Air leak outside the lung |
If we anticipate an air leak, we will perform an USS or a Chest X ray to find out if this had occurred prior to discharge |
| Rare side effects Once you leave the hospital |
What to Do |
| Infection and fever post procedure |
Occurs 2-4 hours post procedure in 3% patients
If you have fever >38.5 or feel unwell, you will need IV antibiotics and fluids.
Please return to emergency department of the nearest hospital. |
| Shortness of breath/chest pain after going home |
Shortness of breath is also a sign of pneumothorax or air leak outside the lung. If this occurs, please report to the nearest hospital emergency department. |
| Coughing up frank blood more than a tablespoon |
However, coughing up frank blood more than a tablespoon is not normal.
This is a sign of a larger bleed inside the lung. Please report to the nearest emergency department. |
- Although not mentioned above in the chart due to extreme rarity, adverse events due to anaesthesia, drug allergies, heart attacks, asthma exacerbations and even death can occur post procedures.
- We will take extra precautions like booking an Intensive Care bed post procedure if you have underlying medical issues.
- If you have multiple medical issues our bronchoscopist will discuss your individual risk and you will be referred to the pre-admission clinic for an anaesthetist to view your medical history and decide on the best level of anaesthesia for you.
- The more medical issues you have the higher the chance of an adverse events the above chart is a general guide only.
