Bronchoscopy Cost In India

A bronchoscopy medical procedure is commonly done to allow the doctor to diagnose and identify the issues in the patient’s throat, larynx, trachea, and lower airways. The process involves the use of a device known as a bronchoscope designed mainly for the bronchial regions. It helps to investigate several lung conditions and problems in the patient and help find a suitable treatment option for them. It is performed by a pulmonologist or a thoracic surgeon who has expertise in this area.

Bronchoscopy allows for a diagnosis of several impending issues like lung infection, tumor, collapsed lung, shortness of breath, blockages, chronic cough, and more. During the bronchoscopy procedure, a small sample of the affected area can also be taken as a biopsy and studied further to find the root cause and required treatment.

How Bronchoscopy Test Works (The Complete Procedure)

The procedure starts with a pre-evaluation test and certain prerequisites needed for a successful procedure. A patient may be recommended to avoid eating or drinking for a specified time before the procedure.

During the procedure, the patient is provided with local anesthesia and may be provided with a sedative if required. The doctor will then insert a flexible bronchoscope into the patient via the nose and throat to diagnose. The process may cause the patient sudden coughing initially but subdues quickly. The doctor may also administer oxygen if needed to help the breathing. If the process also requires a biopsy, then a small stent may be inserted to take the samples for further diagnosis.

Once the procedure is complete, the patient is advised to rest and taken into observation for a couple of hours after which they can carry on with their work. Although the use of heavy machinery or driving is not suggested for the day due to reflexes being impaired for a while.

How much does a Bronchoscopy Test cost in India?

The cost of a bronchoscopy test depends on various factors like:

1. The fee of the Doctor or the Thoracic surgeon
2. Age of the Patient
3. Prior and Immediate medical condition of the Patient
4. Type of bronchoscopy
5. Need for biopsy
6. City or the location of the procedure
7. Hospital or the lab admission charges

• The cost of a biopsy test starts from roughly Rs 5,000 if performed in a normal hospital.
• In India, the average cost of a bronchoscopy test ranges around Rs 8,000.
• For bronchoscopy in India, the maximum sum that can be charged can go as high as Rs. 12,000.

Types of Bronchoscopy Tests

• Flexible Bronchoscopy: This type of bronchoscopy involves the use of a thin long tube that is inserted into the airway and used to take a look at the airway and the bronchial regions. This does not require general anesthesia and is much preferred over other types of bronchoscopy.
• Rigid Bronchoscopy: This type of bronchoscopy involves the use of a hollow metal tube to be inserted into the airway and requires general anesthesia to be administered to the patient. Rigid bronchoscopy is used in cases where there might be bleeding in the airway which can cause hindrance in a clear view of the airway. This is also used for cases where the airway needs to be cleared for better viewing which cannot be done with flexible bronchoscopy.

Note:

Bronchoscopy allows for a proper review and diagnosis of several lung, throat, and bronchial issues. A timely bronchoscopy test can help the patient to identify these issues beforehand and get the right treatment before the issue becomes chronic.