Bronchoscopy During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Bronchoscopy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

AABIP Patient Education Series

1. I am concerned about coming to the hospital for my procedure during the pandemic. Should I postpone my procedure?

Healthcare facilities have placed safety measures to assure safety of patients and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are having a bronchoscopy procedure that can have a significant impact on your health, you should not postpone it. Examples include diagnosis of lung cancer, detecting an infection that require urgent treatment, stretching your airways to improve breathing, and other. It is always best to discuss this issue with your doctor.

2. Should I be alarmed if I was told I need a COVID-19 test before my procedure?

In the U.S., we are currently experiencing community spread where people with no symptoms can transmit the virus to other people. Many hospital are testing all patients who are scheduled to have procedures or surgeries even if they didn’t have symptoms. This is done to ensure that patients don’t spread the virus to other patients or health care workers. This is an important step in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. Are hospitals able to practice social distancing?

Hospital have made changes to the waiting areas and their visitor policy. Chairs in the waiting areas are placed apart and the number of companions are reduced. Everyone is asked to wear a mask. Hospitals may be safer that other enclosed areas where not everyone if following these practices.

4.Is there high risk to contract the virus through the procedure?The risk of contracting COVID-19 from the tools is extremely low. All instruments are cleaned thoroughly and health care workers are mandated to wear masks and are asked to stay home if they are sick.

5. Is there high risk to contract the virus through the procedure?

The risk of contracting COVID-19 from the tools is extremely low. All instruments are cleaned thoroughly and health care workers are mandated to wear masks and are asked to stay home if they are sick.

6. When I wake up from bronchoscopy, and realize my sense of taste is less, does that mean I have contracted COVID from the procedure?

Many patients receive topical anesthetics (medications that cause numbness) during bronchoscopy. These medications may cause a decrease in the sense of taste. Patient tent to recover their taste capacity very shortly after the procedure.

7. Do I need to bring another set of clothes to wear after my procedure to decrease the chance of bringing COVID-19 to my household?

You do NOT need to bring an additional set of clothes to wear after your procedure.