Bronchoscopy

[Coffeemonster1]

Could someone tell me what it's like?
Our lg is 18 months and has been in and out of hospital with pneumonia and weight loss for over 12 months. She has been referred to Oxford for a Bronchoscopy and would like to know things like how long it takes? What's the day like? How long is recovery/aloud to go home etc?

[IglooisnowinSheffield]

Hi Coffee my DS has had bronchoscopy a few times. At our hospital they are done on a certain day and all the children on the ward are in for the same thing, it can be a full day as they are done one at a time usually starting with the youngest.

It is done under general anaesthetic so nil by mouth from midnight before. We are usually seen by a couple of drs including anaesthetist who all do brief history, check temp, listen to chest etc. someone will come and put a cannula in.

When it's your DC's turn you will go to anaesthetics till they are asleep then I usually go for a cuppa then back up to ward, within an hour you will be called back to get her. Most wee ones are carried back by parents. They can be upset and cry, this is the anaesthetic. She will probably settle and sleep. After a couple if hours she will be offered something to eat and you can go home after this.

You are usually told of the findings that day. Hope this helps.