What the risks are:

A popped lung or pneumothorax occurs in a very small number of transbronchial biopsies. Usually chest x-rays are done, unless the pneumothorax is large enough to need a chest tube to be inserted to expand (decompress) the lung. In rare cases this can be life threatening if air escapes from the lung, gets trapped in the chest, and presses on (compresses) the lungs and heart.

Whenever a biopsy is taken, there is a risk of excess bleeding (hemorrhage). Some bleeding is common, and a health care provider will monitor the amount of bleeding. In very rare cases, major and life threatening bleeding may occur.

Lung infection may occur after any bronchoscopy.

There is also a small risk of:

• Heart attack
• Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
• Low blood oxygen (hypoxemia)

If general anesthesia is used, there is also some risk of:

• Breathing difficulties
• Change in blood pressure
• Kidney damage
• Muscle pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Slow heart rate
• Sore throat

There is a significant risk of choking if you eat or drink anything (including water) before the anesthesia wears off.

Special considerations:

To test whether your gag reflex has returned, place a spoon on the back of your tongue for a few seconds with light pressure. If you do not gag, wait 15 minutes and try again.

Do not use small or sharp objects to test your gag reflex. Call your health care provider or go to an emergency room immediately if you have shortness of breath or chest pain after this procedure.