Pediatric procedure guide
Pediatric Bronchoscopy — Advanced Airway Evaluation for Children
What parents can expect before, during, and after this pediatric procedure.
What Is Bronchoscopy?
Pediatric bronchoscopy is a procedure where a thin, flexible camera (bronchoscope) is gently passed through your child's nose or mouth into the airways (trachea and bronchi) to directly visualize the breathing passages. It allows Dr. Malisetty to see things that X-rays and CT scans simply cannot reveal — the dynamic movement of the airway walls, the presence of mucus plugs, subtle inflammation, or foreign objects that a child may have accidentally inhaled.
There are two types: flexible bronchoscopy (using a thin, bendable scope — most common) and rigid bronchoscopy (using a straight metal scope — typically reserved for foreign body removal or airway interventions).
The procedure is performed under sedation or general anesthesia, so your child will not feel pain or distress during the examination. Dr. Malisetty has specialized training in interventional pediatric bronchoscopy, ensuring the highest standards of safety and diagnostic accuracy.
When Is It Recommended?
- Persistent or recurrent pneumonia not responding to standard antibiotic treatment
- Suspected inhaled foreign body — sudden choking episode followed by persistent cough or wheeze
- Evaluation of stridor (noisy breathing) or suspected airway malacia
- Chronic wet cough with suspected protracted bacterial bronchitis — bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) for culture
- Assessment of congenital airway anomalies
- Evaluation of hemoptysis (blood in sputum)
- Airway assessment before or after surgical interventions
What to Expect During the Appointment
Pre-procedure consultation to explain the process and obtain consent
Fasting for 4–6 hours before the procedure (clear fluids may be allowed up to 2 hours before)
The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes
Performed under sedation or general anesthesia by an experienced anesthesiologist
Real-time images displayed on a monitor; photographs and videos recorded for documentation
Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) may be performed to collect airway fluid samples for culture and analysis
Post-procedure monitoring for 2–4 hours in a recovery area
Most children can go home the same day
Aftercare & Recovery
Your child may have a mild sore throat or hoarse voice for 1–2 days after the procedure, which resolves on its own. A low-grade fever in the first 24 hours is not uncommon and usually settles spontaneously. Your child can typically resume normal activities the next day. Dr. Malisetty will discuss the findings with you immediately after the procedure, with laboratory results (if BAL was performed) available within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need Bronchoscopy Evaluation?
Discuss whether this diagnostic test is right for your child during your initial consultation with Dr. Malisetty.
Request a Consultation