Anesthesiologist Questions Bronchoscopy

Is general anesthesia required for a bronchoscopy?

My husband has to have a bronchoscopy done. Will he be getting general anesthesia?

6 Answers

Not necessarily. It can be done with local anesthesia.
It can be done both ways Most commonly, it is done under sedation.
General anesthesia or deep sedation are the usual forms of anesthesia provided for this procedure
Yes. It is a very stimulating procedure and very difficult without anesthesia.
Bronchoscopy does not require general anesthesia, but some doctors prefer, or patients may prefer to be placed under general for the procedure.
Bronchoscopy for adult patients is usually performed safely with topical spray of local anesthetics with or without IV sedation, with or without a nurse anesthetist stand by.

E.K. Motoyama, M.D.