Dr. Ryan Michael Mitchell, PhD, MD

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.

Nasal endoscopy is the use of a thin, flexible tube (called a 'scope') that is inserted into the nostril to examine the structures of the nose. The scope contains a fiber optic light and a camera that allow a physician to see much more of the nasal passages, airways, and sinuses than is possible with a standard nasal exam.

A nasal endoscopy is typically performed by an otolaryngologist (or ENT) in their office. It may be performed for a variety of reasons, but some common ones include:

• Sinus infections
• Nasal polyps
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Persistent stuffiness
• Obstruction in the nose
• Suspected tumor in the nasal passages

In most cases, a medication containing a decongestant and anesthetic is sprayed into the nose before the scope is inserted. The doctor uses the scope to examine any problem areas. If necessary, most scopes allow for tiny tools to be inserted and used to removed tissue or take samples. Nasal endoscopy is a very safe and relatively easy procedure.

Rhinoplasty may also be done to correct a deviated septum or other breathing impairment. In that case, the nasal structure is adjusted so that airflow is increased to a comfortable level.

Typically, rhinoplasty is only performed on adults because kids' and teens' faces are still growing and changing. After a rhinoplasty, healing will take 1-2 weeks, but subtle shifts in the face and occasional swelling can last up to a year.