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14th October, 2009
European Survey on Standards of Care in paediatric oncology centres. J. R. Kowalczyk, M. Samardakiewicz, K. Pritchard-Jones, R. Ladenstein, S. Essiaf, E. Fitzgerald, G. Petrarulo, G. Vassal - EJC , Volume 61, pp 11-19
8th December, 2014
The purpose of this website is to provide good and clear information about the long-term effects of childhood cancer and to refer to the various late-effects outpatient clinics (LATER outpatient clinics) that exist in the Netherlands.
8th September, 2015
Cancer in young people is rare, but it is still a major health issue in Europe. Each year, more than 6,000 young people in Europe die of cancer. There are more than 300,000 European childhood cancer survivors (in 2020, they will be nearly half a million): two-thirds of them have some late side effects of treatment, that are severe and impact on the daily life of half of those affected.
Bronchoscopy is a medical procedure that allows doctors to examine the patient’s lungs and airways. It involves passing a thin viewing instrument called a bronchoscope through the patient’s nose or mouth, down the throat, into the trachea, and into the bronchi. This procedure helps to diagnose lung diseases, tumors, infections, or blockages. It enables the collection of tissue or mucus samples for further testing.
Revealing the curtain on medical mysteries, the scope of medical advancements introduces tools that significantly augment the diagnosis and treatment procedures of the human body. One such development is the bronchoscopy, offering promising results in the arena of pulmonary conditions. This article offers a comprehensive overview of bronchoscopy, its technicalities, implications, and enormous importance in today’s medical landscape.
Although bronchoscopy is less commonly spoken about than procedures such as colonoscopy or endoscopy, statistics indicate that millions of these procedures are carried out annually worldwide. They play an indispensable part in helping physicians diagnose various respiratory conditions and treat specific lung diseases.
A bronchoscopy is a medical procedure where a doctor inspects the lungs and airways of a patient using a bronchoscope—a thin, flexible tube equipped with a light and camera. It allows doctors to visualize the respiratory system up close, without resorting to invasive procedures.
They say that necessity is the mother of invention, and the history of bronchoscopy is no exception. Bronchoscopy’s advent began near the latter part of the 19th century with Gustav Killian’s innovative endeavors. Over the years, the development of bronchoscopy has been synonymous with significant advancements in pulmonary medicine.
The flexible bronchoscope is the most widely used tool for this procedure. It’s designed to navigate easily through the winding paths of the bronchial tree. More importantly, the procedure causes minimal discomfort to patients and does not require general anesthesia.
Its common uses encompass a vast horizon, including diagnosing lung cancer, pneumonia, and chronic cough, along with retrieving samples from patients’ lungs for further examination.
While less commonly used today due to the advent of flexible bronchoscopy, the rigid bronchoscope holds its unique niche. It provides a wider channel for removing large objects or treating significant bleeding in the airways.
Rigid bronchoscopy is primarily used to clear airways, treat bleeding or administer radiation treatment, and remove tumors or foreign bodies. This technique requires general anesthesia.
Bronchoscopy is perhaps most commonly used to investigate abnormal X-ray results. The procedure provides visual confirmation and biopsy capabilities for anomalies discovered while performing imaging procedures.
Moreover, bronchoscopy is a substantial help in diagnosing various lung diseases, including lung cancer, bronchitis, tuberculosis, and interstitial lung disease, to name a few.
Beyond diagnostics, bronchoscopy offers therapeutic applications such as clearing blocked airways. Be it mucus plugs, excessive secretions, or foreign objects causing obstructions, bronchoscopy can handle them all.
In addition, bronchoscopy plays a vital role in treating conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. It assists in effective delivery of therapies to the lungs, including medication, radiation, or heat to shrink tumors.
Preparation for bronchoscopy typically involves fasting for 6-12 hours before the procedure. Clear instructions about other details, including medication and anesthesia, are usually provided by the doctor.
The bronchoscopy procedure begins with the administration of local anesthesia or sedation. The bronchoscope is then inserted through the nose or mouth into the lungs. Although the procedure may cause some discomfort, it is generally painless. The procedure typically lasts between 30-60 minutes, depending on the specifics of each case.
Care following the procedure predominantly involves rest and recovery. A brief period of observation for possible complications is usual. Interpretation of results usually happens within a few days post the corresponding procedure.
Some potential risks of bronchoscopy include bleeding, particularly if a biopsy is involved, and infection. Such risks are generally low but should not be overlooked.
To minimize risks, pre-procedure guidelines should be strictly followed, including fasting instructions and information regarding medication. Moreover, post-procedure follow-up ensures that any complications, if they arise, are promptly addressed.
Bronchoscopy plays a critical role in diagnosing and treating various pulmonary conditions. As with any medical procedure, being well-informed is a stepping stone to optimal results.
The implications of bronchoscopy are vast and indispensable in pushing the boundaries of lung-related medicine. By offering a non-invasive way to diagnose and treat numerous conditions, it is indeed a boon to modern healthcare.
The main purpose of performing bronchoscopy is to investigate, diagnose, and treat conditions related to the lungs and bronchial tubes.
Generally, patients are advised to fast for 6-12 hours before the procedure to reduce the risk of aspiration. Consult your doctor for specific instructions based on your health condition.
Yes, the procedure carries a small risk of complications such as bleeding, particularly if a biopsy is performed, or infection. However, these risks are generally low.
The recovery period can vary, but most patients can go home the same day and return to normal activities within a day or two.
The two primary types of bronchoscopy are flexible and rigid bronchoscopy. Flexible bronchoscopy is commonly used for diagnostic and minor therapeutic procedures. In contrast, rigid bronchoscopy is used when larger instrumentation is required, such as for removing large objects or controlling significant bleeding.
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