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 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 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 | USD 272 – USD 870 | Usually 1 day (outpatient or short stay) | ~ 1-2 days for full activity resumption | Know More |
| Turkey | USD 2,013 – USD 6,442 | Usually 1 day (outpatient or short stay) | ~ 1-2 days for full activity resumption | Know More |
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