Bronchoscopy & Chest Tube Procedures Explained

Plain-language answers for families supporting a loved one in intensive care.

Hearing that your loved one needs a bronchoscopy or chest tube can feel overwhelming. This guide explains both procedures in plain language — what they are, why they are needed, and what happens before, during, and after. Your care team is always your best source for personal medical advice.

Procedure 1

Bronchoscopy

A way for doctors to look inside the airways and lungs using a thin, flexible camera.

🔍 What is it?

A thin flexible tube with a tiny camera is passed through the mouth or nose, down the throat, and into the airways of the lungs — letting the doctor see clearly without surgery.

❓ Why might it be needed?

To clear a blocked airway, remove mucus, take a tissue sample, treat an infection, or check the position of a breathing tube.

🕐 How long does it take?

Usually 20–45 minutes. Your loved one will receive sedation or local anesthesia to stay comfortable throughout.

What happens — step by step

PreparationThe team confirms consent, checks vital signs, and gives sedation medicine through an IV to keep your loved one calm and comfortable.

Passing the scopeThe bronchoscope is gently guided through the nose or mouth, past the vocal cords, and into the airways. A small amount of numbing medicine is applied along the way.

Examination or treatmentThe doctor views the airway lining on a monitor. They may suction secretions, take a sample, or perform a therapeutic procedure at this stage.

Removal and recoveryThe scope is withdrawn carefully. Your loved one rests for 1–2 hours while the sedation wears off, and the team monitors oxygen levels and breathing.

⚠️ Possible side effects

Mild throat soreness or a hoarse voice are common. More serious complications such as bleeding or low oxygen are uncommon but possible — the care team monitors for these closely.

Procedure 2

Chest Tube (Thoracostomy)

A tube placed between the ribs to drain air, blood, or fluid that has collected around the lungs.

🩺 What is it?

A flexible plastic tube inserted through the chest wall, between the ribs, into the space surrounding the lungs (pleural space). It connects to a drainage system.

❓ Why might it be needed?

Conditions treated include a collapsed lung, fluid around the lungs, blood in the chest cavity, or complications following heart surgery.

⏱️ How long will it be in?

Usually a few days to over a week, depending on how much fluid or air needs to drain and how quickly the underlying problem resolves.

What happens — step by step

Pain control & sterile prepThe area is cleaned and local anesthesia is injected to numb the skin. Pain medication or sedation is also given for comfort.

Small incisionA small cut (about 1–2 cm) is made between two ribs on the side of the chest. The tube is passed through this opening into the pleural space.

Securing the tubeThe tube is stitched in place and connected to a sealed drainage device that uses gravity or gentle suction to collect air or fluid safely.

MonitoringNurses check the drainage system every shift, noting the color and amount of fluid, keeping the tube unkinked, and watching for signs of infection.

Removal (when ready)When drainage has slowed and imaging shows the lung has re-expanded, the tube is removed in a quick bedside procedure. A small dressing covers the site afterward.

ℹ️ What the drainage device looks like

You may see a plastic canister on the floor beside the bed filled with water. This is normal — it creates a seal that lets air and fluid exit the chest. A gentle bubbling sound is expected.

⚠️ When to alert the nurse immediately

Tell the nurse right away if the tube becomes disconnected, if there is a sudden increase in pain or difficulty breathing, or if the drainage turns bright red.

For families

What to expect during your visit

Being in the ICU is unfamiliar. Here is what you may see and hear.

📟 Alarms & monitors

Monitors track heart rate, oxygen, and blood pressure continuously. Alarms are common and do not always mean something is wrong.

💊 Tubes & lines

Your loved one may have an IV, oxygen mask, breathing tube, urinary catheter, or feeding tube in addition to procedure tubes. Each has a specific purpose.

😴 Sedation

Patients are often kept sedated after procedures. Your loved one may seem unresponsive — this is intentional and carefully managed.

🗓️ Daily updates

Ask the nurse what times are best for speaking with the doctor about your loved one’s progress.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Will my loved one be awake during bronchoscopy?

Most patients receive sedation and will be drowsy or asleep. The team uses numbing medicine inside the airway to minimize discomfort.

Does a chest tube hurt?

Insertion is done with local anesthesia and pain medication. Once in place, patients often describe pressure rather than sharp pain. Tell the nurse if your loved one seems uncomfortable.

Can I be present during the procedure?

Generally, family members wait in a designated area. The team will update you as soon as it is complete. Some units have exceptions — ask directly.

How will I know if there are complications?

The ICU team monitors your loved one continuously. You will be contacted if anything significant changes. Do not hesitate to ask the nurse for an update at any time.

What can I do to help during recovery?

Your presence is powerful. Talking calmly, holding a hand, and playing familiar music can reduce stress even in sedated patients.

When is a chest tube removed?

When drainage has slowed and imaging shows the lung has re-expanded. Removal takes only a few minutes at the bedside. Pain relief is given beforehand.

You are not alone

Our care team is here for the whole family. If you have questions or just need to talk, please reach out to your loved one’s nurse or our patient support team.

Contact the care team

This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not replace advice from your medical team.
Always direct specific questions about your loved one’s care to their treating physicians and nurses.