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Medical Author:

Sat Sharma, MD, FRCPC, FCCP

Medical Editor:

Scott H Plantz, MD, FAAEM

Medical Editor:

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD

Medical Editor:

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Jerry R. Balentine, DO, FACEP

Dr. Balentine received his undergraduate degree from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He attended medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine graduating in1983. He completed his internship at St. Joseph's Hospital in Philadelphia and his Emergency Medicine residency at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center in the Bronx, where he served as chief resident.

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After the Procedure

Although most adults tolerate bronchoscopy well, doctors require that you remain for a brief period of observation.

• Nurses will watch you closely for 2-4 hours following the procedure.
  
  
• Most complications occur early and are readily apparent at the time of the procedure.
  
  
• You will be monitored until the effects of sedative drugs wear off and your gag reflex has returned.
  
  
  • If you have had a transbronchial biopsy, doctors will take a chest x-ray to rule out any air leakage in your lungs after the procedure.
    
    
  • You will be hospitalized if you show any bleeding, air leakage, or respiratory distress.
  
  
• Once you are released to go home, you should not drive. Effects of the sedative medications may be lingering.