Bronchoscopy with or without sedation

Bronchoscopy with or without sedation

Below is an example of the report and the information that you will be given after your procedure

If you were given sedative drugs before your procedure; these drugs are likely to up to 24 hours to wear off. It is important that you:

• Rest quietly for the remainder of the day, with someone to look after you for 12 hours, as you will still be affected by the sedative drugs
• Sedation can impair your reflexes and judgement. It is advisable that you have the following day off work but in any event for the first 24 hours following sedation

DO NOT:

• Drive a car
• Drink alcohol
• Take sleeping tablets
• Operate machinery or electrical items – even a kettle
• Sign any legally binding documents
• Work at heights (including climbing ladders or onto a chair)

1. Your throat and airway have been sprayed with a local anaesthetic during your procedure; this affects your ability to swallow. You have been kept on the unit and given a drink so that we can be satisfied that your swallowing is back to normal before we send you home.
2. You may have a slight nosebleed following your Bronchoscopy. These are not unusual, but if it persists, or becomes severe, please telephone the number below for advice.
3. If you develop increased breathlessness, pain on taking deep breath, or high temperature, please telephone the number below for advice.
4. You may experience a sore throat or hoarse voice. This is not unusual and should ease within a day or so.
5. It is normal to cough up small amounts of blood after a Bronchoscopy, particularly if you have had a biopsy taken (removal of a small piece of tissue). If you are worried about the amount you are coughing up, (or if it is equivalent to an egg cupful), please telephone for advice straight away.

If you have any problems or queries about your procedure:

PLEASE TELEPHONE: Monday – Friday 8am-6pm
Worcester Endoscopy Unit on 01905 733085
Alexandra Endoscopy Unit on 01527 512014

In Emergency/outside of the hours above – The A&E department on 01905 760743 Or NHS 111.

A copy of your procedure report will be sent to your GP within 24-48hours.
Please ask if you have not received information about the results of your procedure before you leave.

You may be given information about the following:-

• If you have had some biopsies taken during your procedure.
• The results can take up to 4 weeks to get to your GP.
• The Endoscopist has spoken to you about your diagnosis (after your procedure).
• You have been given an information leaflet.

If you have any questions, please ask the nursing staff, who will be happy to explain anything you are not sure about.

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything, please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Patient Experience
We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to answer your questions and reassure you.

Feedback
Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf, if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:
Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: wah-tr.PALS@nhs.net

Opening times:
The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your call within one working day.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.

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