What Are the Risks of Bronchoscopy?

Bronchoscopy is usually a safe procedure. However, there's small risk for problems. The risks include:

• A drop in your oxygen level during the procedure. The doctor will give you oxygen if this happens.
• A slight risk of minor bleeding and developing a fever or pneumonia.

A rare but more serious side effect is a pneumothorax. A pneumothorax is a condition in which air or gas collects in the space around the lungs. This can cause the lung(s) to collapse.

This condition is easily treated and may go away on its own. If it interferes with breathing, a tube may need to be placed in the space around the lungs to remove the air.

A chest x ray may be done after bronchoscopy to check for problems.