Bronchoalveolar Lavage Treatment in Turkey
About Bronchoalveolar Lavage
Key Highlights
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Provides direct sampling from the deepest parts of the lungs for accurate diagnosis.Minimally invasive with a relatively low risk profile compared to surgical lung biopsy.Can diagnose a wide range of conditions including infections, cancers, and inflammatory diseases.Guides targeted and effective treatment plans, potentially avoiding unnecessary medications.Typically performed as an outpatient procedure with a short recovery time.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis of unexplained diffuse lung infiltrates seen on chest X-ray or CT scan.
- Evaluation of suspected opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients (e.g., Pneumocystis pneumonia).
- Suspected interstitial lung diseases like sarcoidosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, or pulmonary alveolar proteinosis.
- Investigation of suspected lung cancer, especially for tumors not accessible by standard biopsy.
- Assessment of non-resolving pneumonia or unexplained chronic cough with suspected alveolar involvement.
How to prepare
- Fasting is required for 6-8 hours before the procedure to prevent aspiration.
- A thorough review of medical history, allergies, and current medications (especially blood thinners) with the pulmonologist.
- Pre-procedure tests may include blood work and a chest X-ray.
- Arranging for someone to drive the patient home after the procedure, as sedation is used.
- Informed consent detailing the procedure, benefits, and risks is obtained.
Risks & possible complications
- Mild throat irritation, cough, or hoarseness, which is common and temporary.
- Minor bleeding from the biopsy site, which usually stops on its own.
- Low-grade fever within 24-48 hours post-procedure.
- Rare risk of pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or significant bleeding.
- Very rare risks include bronchospasm, infection, or reaction to sedation.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Patients are monitored in a recovery area until the effects of sedation wear off (1-2 hours).
- Throat numbness from local anesthesia requires no eating or drinking for about 2 hours.
- Rest is advised for the remainder of the day; normal activities can often resume the next day.
- A temporary increase in cough or production of slightly blood-tinged sputum is normal.
- Follow-up with the pulmonologist is scheduled to discuss the laboratory results of the lavage fluid.
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Typical hospital stay:
0-1 days (Typically outpatient)
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Expected recovery time:
1-2 days
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering bronchoalveolar lavage in Turkey, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in Turkey with pulmonology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform bronchoalveolar lavage. 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 bronchoalveolar lavage compare across other countries where we have data.
A 28-year-old female software engineer from...
A 28-year-old female software engineer from Bangalore presented with persistent dry cough and exertional dyspnea. Dr. Manimaran diagnosed hypersensitivity pneumonitis from chronic exposure to mold in her air-conditioned office. Treatment involved environmental modifications and a short course of corticosteroids, with complete resolution of symptoms within three weeks.