Bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that lets your doctor look inside your airways and lungs. It's usually done with a flexible bronchoscope, a thin, bendable tube with a light and tiny camera at one end.

How long does it take to recover from bronchoscopy?

The recovery after the bronchoscopy may take from 1 to 3 hours. Sometimes, an overnight stay is required. Again, the medication you receive during the bronchoscopy makes you sleepy so plan to have someone drive you home when you are done.

Do they put you to sleep for a bronchoscopy?

You will be awake during the procedure. You will be given medicine to help you relax (sedative). You will also be given a liquid medicine to numb your nose and throat. For a rigid bronchoscopy, you will be given general anesthesia.