Bronchoscopy - contd.
The prognosis depends primarily on the diagnosis and on the presence of other factors affecting the patient. Since complications due to the procedure are rare, the prognosis for an animal undergoing bronchoscopy is usually good with respect to the procedure itself.
Potential problems that can arise during the procedure include anesthesia-related complications, including death. Heart arrhythmia and bleeding may occur. Oxygen levels may drop temporarily but can usually be corrected quickly by supplying additional oxygen. Fever, infection, and abnormalities in the lungs that can be seen on chest x-rays can develop, but these complications occur infrequently.
