Diagnostic Bronchoscopy

Dr. Chappell offers state-of-the art bronchoscopy diagnostic exams for the visual examination of the lungs and air passages leading to the lungs. Most often, this type of an exam is done with a bronchoscope, a long, thin tube with a camera on the tip.  Dr. Chappell will order a bronchoscopy in order to:

  • Diagnose a lung disease or infection
  • Obtain a biopsy (a tissue sample)
  • Examine blockages, obstructions, any type of discharge or oozing coming from the lungs
    Obtain a secretion sample
  • Test and/or investigate the source of chronic cough or blood that is being coughed up
  • Check for a logged or foreign object (i.e., piece of candy or food, or other object) that may have accidentally been inhaled rather than swallowed
  • Thoracentesis

Testing for certain diseases such as cancer and Cirrhosis will at times require a thoracentesis.  A thoracentesis is a procedure that Dr. Chappell offers that essentially removes fluid from the space between the lining of the outside of the lungs (pleura) and the wall of the chest. This fluid is collected through a needle using a simple numbing agent and then sent off to a laboratory for testing of certain diseases and infections.  Typically, there is very little fluid in the pleural space.  If there is extreme build-up of fluid (known as pleural effusion), a thoracentesis will usually help eliminate some of the build-up or will help pinpoint a cause as to why the build-up is occurring.