Pneumothorax occurs in about 2% of transbronchial biopsies. Usually this is followed with repeated chest X-rays unless the pneumothorax is large enough to require insertion of a chest tube to decompress the lung.

Whenever a biopsy is taken, there is a risk of hemorrhage. Some bleeding is common, and a technician or a nurse will monitor the amount of bleeding.

Lung infection may occur after any bronchoscopy

There is also a small risk of the following:

• Disordered heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
• Heart attack
• Low blood oxygen (hypoxemia)

If general anesthesia is used, there is also some risk of the following:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Sore throat
• Muscle pain
• Breathing difficulties
• Depressed heart rate
• Change in blood pressure
• Kidney damage

There is a significant risk of choking if anything (including water) is ingested before the anesthetic wears off.

To test whether your gag reflex has returned, place a spoon on the back of your tongue for a few seconds with light pressure. If you do not gag, wait 15 minutes and try again.

Do not use small or sharp objects to test your gag reflex. Call your health care provider or go to an emergency room immediately if you have shortness of breath or chest pain after this procedure.