172 December 2016 www.bahrainthismonth.com The Bronchoscopy Like the tree has a stem which divides multiple times into branches to form twigs, our respiratory system has the main airway, the trachea, which further divides multiple times (bronchi) to form very small air pipes – the bronchioles. As the leaves breathe for the tree, the alveoli (airsacs) breathe for us. Yet, something can go wrong in this harmonious natural system and, when that happens, doctors try to search for an answer to cure the problem. A fibre-optic bronchoscope is the device usually used by pulmonologists to look into the wilderness of our lungs. It is about as thin as a pencil and flexible with a camera and fibre-optics allowing light to shine at the tip. There is also a hollow channel within the device which allows for collecting of specimens and passing of various instruments. Who requires a Bronchoscopy? Mainly, the device is used to help investigate and diagnose conditions which may be persistent and unusual. For example, a persistent cough, a cough with blood or strange shadows on a chest X-ray. A tissue sample thus taken is visualised under the microscope to help decide whether the problem is inflammation, infection or cancer. The bronchoscope can also be used to treat certain conditions. With the help of different kinds of instruments it can be used to remove foreign objects, such as an inhaled peanut; it can also insert a small tube, or stent, to open an airway closed by a growth, or remove thick secretions blocking the airway. How is it done? The procedure is usually carried out on a day case or outpatient basis. It may be performed under local anaesthetic, which numbs the inside of the nose and throat, and with the use of sedation which can make you drowsy but does not put you completely to sleep like general anaesthesia – though in most cases the patient is unlikely to remember the procedure. The heart rate and blood pressure are regularly monitored throughout and, depending on the case, the procedure can last from 15 to 45 minutes and side effects may vary. Recently we conducted two successful bronchoscopies at Bahrain Specialist Hospital. Our first patient was a 19-year-old man who presented to the hospital with ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome), a life threatening condition. After stabilising him a bronchoscopy was conducted and a fungal species called Penicillium was identified. Our second patient was an elderly gentleman of 74 years, having multiple serious co-morbidities with recurrent fever and difficulty in collecting sputum for analysis. It excluded endobronchial neoplasia. Both the patients have been successfully treated and had smooth courses of management. For further information email [email protected] Call 17 812-000. Pulmonology specialist Dr Sonal Jagtap explains a specialist procedure which can be used to help those suffering from lung problems. marketplace Tree of Life BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL Dr Sonal Jagtap
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==