Naluzze Doreen M., Pytetska N.

APPLICATION OF TRACHEOSCOPY IN PULMONOLOGY PRACTICE. THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF THE METHOD
Kharkiv National Medical University

Tracheoscopy  is a procedure that lets the doctor look inside the trachea (windpipe) and down into the lower airways. To do this, a tool called an endoscope is used. This is a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera on the tip. This sheet explains the procedure and what to expect.
 	Technique of  tracheoscopy.  The procedure can take up to 45 minutes. Patient will go home the same day. Before the procedure begins, patient’s throat will be numbed. Doctor may also be given medication to help relax. During the procedure need:
– patient sit upright in a chair that supports his head.
–the endoscope is gently inserted into patient’s nose and moved down into his throat, between the vocal cords. It may then be advanced into the lower airways. Patient will need to breathe through his mouth while the endoscope is in place.
–The endoscope sends pictures from inside the trachea and lower airways to a video screen. The doctor uses the images to move the scope and look for problems.
– If needed, the endoscope can be used to take a small tissue sample (biopsy) from inside the trachea or airways. This sample is sent to a lab for testing.
– When the test is done, the endoscope is removed.
After the Procedure due to the numbing medication, swallowing may be hard at first. This may last a few hours. Don’t eat or drink until swallowing returns to normal. Follow any instructions you have been given, such as:
	if patient smoke, stop for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Smoking will make throat irritation worse and slow recovery;
	if a biopsy was taken, try not to cough or clear patient’s throat. This will help prevent bleeding.
	Once you are able to swallow normally, drink plenty of water. Use throat lozenges as prescribed by your doctor. 
Risks and Possible Complications of this procedure:
– bleeding;
– infection;
– swelling of the throat;
– breathing problems;
– vomiting;
– food or fluids going into the airways (aspiration)
– vocal cord paralysis (rare)