Bronchoscopy

What is a bronchoscopy?

Bronchoscopy is a procedure used to view the inside of the airways. It uses a thin, tube-like scope to diagnose airway abnormalities such as:

Why do you need a bronchoscopy?

Your doctor may recommend a bronchoscopy for the following reasons:

Diagnose airway and lung abnormalities

If you have a chronic cough or you are coughing up blood, your doctor can perform a bronchoscopy to view the inside of your airways and evaluate your lung symptoms.

Your doctor may also use bronchoscopy to investigate:

Collect tissue samples from inside the lungs

When lung abnormalities are suspected, your doctor may use bronchoscopy to collect tissue samples from inside the lungs.

This collection may be done through a:

  • Biopsy
  • Bronchoalveolar lavage

Provide therapy

Bronchoscopy also has therapeutic purposes. For example, it can be used to:

  • Remove obstructions in your airways, such as fluid, mucus or foreign objects
  • Insert a stent (hollow wire mesh tube) to widen narrowed airways
  • Assist laser tumour removal

What are the risks and complications of a bronchoscopy?

Bronchoscopy is generally considered safe and effective. This is especially the case with flexible bronchoscopy, which is the most common type of procedure.

Like all surgical procedures, however, there are some general risks, such as:

  • Fever
  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Bronchial perforation (A puncture in the airway)
  • Irritation of the airways or vocal cords
  • Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)

Why choose Parkway East Hospital?

Our team of respiratory specialists at Parkway East Hospital are dedicated to providing expert care.

Located conveniently in the east of Singapore, we offer a range of respiratory procedures — such as bronchoscopy — and take a holistic approach to support you throughout your diagnosis and treatment.

Estimated cost

Private healthcare can be affordable. Use our Hospital Bill Estimator to determine the estimated cost of this procedure. If you have hospital insurance, find out how you can use your insurance.

Find doctors from our allied hospitals

We offer a full spectrum of healthcare services under IHH Healthcare Singapore.
Check if your preferred hospital offers this treatment:

This page has been reviewed by our medical content reviewers.

Need help?


For enquiries, please call
+65 6377 3737

For appointment bookings, please WhatsApp
+65 8111 3777