Bronchoscopy
A procedure that helps us see exactly
What’s happening inside your lungs
If you’ve been referred for a bronchoscopy, or are trying to understand whether you need one — this page walks you through everything. What it is, why it’s done, and what to expect from start to finish.
What is a bronchoscopy?
A bronchoscopy is a procedure that lets Dr. Swapnil look directly inside your airways and lungs using a thin, flexible tube with a tiny camera at the tip — called a bronchoscope.
Think of it like a torch being gently guided into your breathing passages. It gives Dr. Swapnil a clear, real-time picture of what’s happening inside — something that no X-ray or CT scan can show on its own.
The procedure is done under sedation, so you are relaxed and comfortable throughout. Most patients feel little to no discomfort and go home the same day.
In plain terms: It’s the most accurate way for us to see your airways with his own eyes — not just from a scan or a report.
How the bronchoscope travels
Nose or mouth
Entry point — numbed with spray
Throat & vocal cords
Passed through gently
Trachea (windpipe)
Main airway examined
Bronchi & bronchioles
Smaller airways visualised
Lung tissue
Biopsy taken here if needed
Why has your doctor referred you for this?
If you’ve been referred, it’s because your doctor needs a clearer look at what’s going on — not something to be alarmed about. It’s simply the most accurate way to get answers.
Persistent cough
Coughing up blood
Unexplained breathlessness
Unusual shadow on scan
Remove a foreign object
Detect or rule out lung cancer
What to expect — start to finish
The day before
Prepare & fast
Do not eat or drink for at least 6 hours before. You may take small sips of water up to 2 hours before. If you take blood thinners, check with Dr. Swapnil’s team — you may need to pause them.
On arrival
Check-in & prep
You’ll change into a hospital gown. A nurse checks your vitals. A small cannula is placed in your hand — this is for the sedation medication. The team will answer any last questions.
The procedure
Sedation & scope
A numbing spray is applied to your throat. The sedative is given — you feel drowsy within minutes. The bronchoscope is passed gently through your airway. Most patients remember nothing. If needed, a biopsy is taken — you won’t feel it.
Afterwards
Rest & recover
You rest in a recovery area while sedation wears off. Mild throat soreness is normal. You can drink water once the numbness is fully gone. You cannot drive today — arrange a pickup in advance.
Your results
Follow-up & answers
If only a visual check was done, Dr. Swapnil may share initial findings the same day. If a biopsy was taken, lab results take 5 – 7 working days. A follow-up is scheduled to walk through everything in detail.
Is it Safe?
Yes. Bronchoscopy is a well-established, routinely performed procedure worldwide. The vast majority of patients experience no complications.
- Mild throat soreness or hoarseness for a few hours — this is normal and passes on its own
- You may cough a little more than usual for the rest of the day
- Small streaks of blood in sputum can occur if a biopsy was done — this usually stops within 24 hours
- A slight fever is possible but uncommon — call the clinic if it persists
- Serious complications are rare — Dr. Swapnil will discuss any risks specific to your case before the procedure
Your doctor
Dr. Swapnil Thorve
Dr. Swapnil has performed hundreds of bronchoscopies across his 10+ years of clinical practice at LTMMC & GH Sion, Gurunanak Hospital, and other leading Mumbai hospitals. His gold medal academic training and specialisation in interventional pulmonology means every procedure is performed with the highest level of precision and care.
- DNB Pulmonary Medicine — Lilavati Hospital, Bandra
- Fellowship in Pulmonary Critical Care — LTMMC Sion
- European Diploma in Adult Respiratory Medicine — ERS
- Gold Medalist · MUHS, Maharashtra
- 20+ research articles in indexed journals
Frequently asked questions
If you have a question that isn’t answered here, WhatsApp Dr. Swapnil’s team directly — they’ll respond promptly.
Most patients feel no pain. The sedation keeps you relaxed and drowsy, and your throat is numbed with a spray beforehand. Some patients feel a mild pressure sensation — but pain is uncommon. If you feel anxious, tell Dr. Swapnil’s team before the procedure — they will make sure you are comfortable.
Plan for around 3 to 4 hours in total — including preparation time, the procedure itself (15–30 minutes), and recovery before you are cleared to go home. You will not be kept overnight.
No. You must fast for at least 6 hours before the procedure. You may take small sips of water up to 2 hours before. Dr. Swapnil’s team will give you exact fasting instructions at your pre-procedure consultation. If you take regular medications, check with the team about whether to take them on the morning of the procedure.
You will be conscious but deeply sedated — meaning you are relaxed, drowsy, and unlikely to remember the procedure. It is not full general anaesthesia. Think of it as a very deep, calm state of relaxation. You can still respond if the team speaks to you, but most patients have no memory of the procedure afterwards.
If only a visual examination was done, Dr. Swapnil may share initial findings on the same day or shortly after. If a biopsy was taken, the laboratory results take 5 to 7 working days. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled where Dr. Swapnil walks you through the results and what they mean for your treatment.
Most patients can return to normal activity the day after the procedure. You should rest on the day of the bronchoscopy and avoid driving due to the sedation. By the following morning, most people feel completely back to normal. If your work involves heavy physical activity, Dr. Swapnil may advise an extra day of rest.
Ready to get started
Ready to Breath Easier?
Book a consultation with Dr. Swapnil Thorve at Sion Hospital or Gurunanak Hospital, Bandra. Same-week appointments available.