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Dr. Adam Charles Wolfe, MD, MPH is a pulmonologist in Saint Paul, MN specializing in pulmonology (lung & respiratory disease) and adult critical care. He graduated from University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Dr. Adam Charles Wolfe, MD, MPH is affiliated with Allina Health.
225 Smith Avenue N Suite 501
Saint Paul, MN 55102
225 Smith Avenue N Suite 501
Saint Paul, MN 55102
Bronchoscopy
Bronchoscopy is a procedure in which a thin tube with a camera, called a bronchoscope, is inserted in the mouth or nose and slowly advanced to the lungs. This allows doctors to see the respiratory tract, which includes the throat, larynx (voice box), trachea (windpipe), bronchi (airways), and lungs. Doctors may recommend those who have or show signs of lung problems - for example, lung cancer or difficulty breathing - to undergo a bronchoscopy.
In performing a diagnostic bronchoscopy, doctors may only wish to visualize the respiratory tract, or doctors may also collect samples of tissue or fluid. The samples can help diagnose patients' conditions or, if patients have cancer, they can be used for staging purposes. One method for sample collection is bronchoalveolar lavage. In a bronchoalveolar lavage, doctors inject saline (salt water) through the bronchoscope and then suction it out of the airways. The washout collected is tested for lung disorders. Doctors can also insert a biopsy tool to collect tissue or mucus samples. The following are biopsies that can be performed by bronchoscopy:
For visualization, bronchoscopy can be done alone, or it can be combined with ultrasound. Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) allows real-time imaging of the airway and is used for diagnosing and staging lung cancer, as well as for determining where the cancer has spread. EBUS can be performed with TBNA, a procedure known as endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA).
Doctors can also use bronchoscopy as a treatment for lung problems. For example, if a foreign body is trapped in the airway, doctors can insert forceps through the bronchoscope to remove it. If the airway has become narrowed - which may occur if patients have an infection, cancer, or some other inflammatory issue - bronchoscopy can be used to place a device called a stent in the area of constriction. The stent will keep the airway open, allowing the patient to breathe properly.
During a bronchoscopy, patients will be given medication (sedative) to help them relax. If it is only a diagnostic bronchoscopy, patients will be kept awake, but if the bronchoscopy is for therapeutic purposes, patients will be put to sleep by general anesthesia. After the procedure, patients will need to stay in the hospital for a few hours. They will not be able to eat or drink for about 2 hours. Some patients may experience discomfort, such as a sore throat or pain while swallowing. Throat lozenges and gargling may help alleviate these symptoms, which should go away after a few days. Patients will need to have someone drive them home once their doctor determines that they are ready.
Dr. Adam Charles Wolfe, MD, MPH graduated from University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. He completed residency at Abbott Northwestern Hospital. He has a state license in Iowa.
Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Residency: Abbott Northwestern Hospital
Licensed In: Iowa
Dr. Adam Charles Wolfe, MD, MPH is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Adam Charles Wolfe, MD, MPH has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 36 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Adam Charles Wolfe, MD, MPH from all over the web to help you find the right in Saint Paul, MN.
Dr. Adam Wolfe sees patients in Saint Paul, MN. His medical specialties are adult critical care and pulmonology (lung & respiratory disease). In Dr. Wolfe's practice, he is particularly interested in ventilator management, bronchoscopy, and global health. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and a graduate of Abbott Northwestern Hospital's residency program. He is professionally affiliated with Allina Health.
