About Paediatric Bronchoscopy
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive procedure with direct visualization of the airways.Enables both diagnosis (via biopsy, lavage) and therapeutic intervention (e.g., foreign body removal).Performed under general anaesthesia for maximum child comfort and cooperation.Typically a short procedure with a relatively quick recovery time.Provides critical information not obtainable through standard imaging like X-rays.
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent or unexplained cough, wheezing, or stridor (noisy breathing).
- Suspected airway obstruction or foreign body aspiration.
- Evaluation of recurrent pneumonia, lung infections, or atelectasis (collapsed lung).
- Investigation of congenital airway abnormalities or tracheoesophageal fistula.
- To obtain samples (bronchoalveolar lavage, biopsy) for diagnosing infections, inflammation, or tumours.
- Assessment of airway injury from trauma, burns, or inhalation of toxic substances.
- Therapeutic removal of mucus plugs or thick secretions.
How to prepare
- Detailed pre-anaesthetic check-up including medical history and physical examination.
- Fasting for 6-8 hours (for solids) and 2-4 hours (for clear liquids) before the procedure to prevent aspiration.
- Review and adjustment of current medications as advised by the pulmonologist and anaesthetist.
- Pre-procedure tests such as chest X-ray, blood tests, and possibly a CT scan.
- Informed consent discussion with parents/guardians explaining the procedure, benefits, and risks.
- Arranging for a responsible adult to accompany the child and stay post-procedure.
Risks & possible complications
- Reaction to anaesthesia, including nausea, vomiting, or rare severe complications.
- Sore throat, hoarseness, or cough for a short period after the procedure.
- Minor bleeding from the biopsy site, which usually stops on its own.
- Low-grade fever or infection.
- Rare risks include pneumothorax (collapsed lung), bronchospasm, or laryngospasm.
- Very rarely, damage to teeth, gums, or vocal cords from the scope.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Close monitoring in a recovery room until the effects of anaesthesia wear off.
- The child may be groggy, irritable, or have a sore throat for a few hours.
- Clear liquids can be started once fully awake and swallowing safely; diet advances as tolerated.
- Observation for any signs of breathing difficulty, fever, or significant bleeding.
- Discharge instructions typically include rest, avoiding strenuous activity for 24-48 hours, and a follow-up appointment.
- Any biopsy or culture results are discussed during the follow-up visit.
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Typical hospital stay: Usually 1 day (outpatient or short stay)
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 days for full activity resumption
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering paediatric bronchoscopy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for paediatric bronchoscopy in India include Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform paediatric bronchoscopy. MediFyr helps you compare pulmonologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for paediatric bronchoscopy compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 25 Thousand – 80 Thousand | Usually 1 day (outpatient or short stay) | ~ 1-2 days for full activity resumption | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 87.5 Thousand – 280 Thousand | Usually 1 day (outpatient or short stay) | ~ 1-2 days for full activity resumption | Know More |
Top hospitals for Paediatric Bronchoscopy in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated pulmonology teams and experience managing patients undergoing paediatric bronchoscopy.
Saanvi Patel is a 2-year-old girl,...
Saanvi Patel is a 2-year-old girl, the beloved only child of first-time parents. She was a healthy baby until 6 months ago when she developed a persistent, wet-sounding cough that lingered after a cold. Despite multiple rounds of antibiotics for suspected pneumonia, the cough never fully resolved. She would have frightening episodes of coughing until she gagged, especially after eating or drinking. Her parents, Anika and Raj, were exhausted and terrified, feeling like they were failing their daughter. Their paediatrician referred them to Dr. Evans, a paediatric pulmonologist. After reviewing a chest X-ray that showed persistent shadowing in one lung, Dr. Evans gently explained that Saanvi might have accidentally inhaled a small object or had a structural issue causing recurrent infections. He recommended a bronchoscopy to look directly into her airways, remove any foreign body, and take fluid samples. The morning of the procedure was filled with anxiety; Saanvi was confused and cried as she was taken from her parents' arms. The procedure itself was quick. Dr. Evans found and removed a tiny piece of a plastic toy bead lodged in her left lower airway. The relief in the recovery room was immediate and profound. Saanvi, groggy but breathing easily, was reunited with her weeping parents. Within days, her cough vanished. Her emotional journey shifted from constant parental dread to immense relief and joy, watching their vibrant daughter return to her playful, carefree self.
Pulmonologists for Paediatric Bronchoscopy
Explore experienced pulmonologists who regularly perform paediatric bronchoscopy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 15 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 23 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 24 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 20 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 35 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 33 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
- 33 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 29 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
- 26 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 15 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 12, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 7 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 12, Noida
- 6 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 4 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada