• Reference Number: HEY1576/2025
• Departments: Cardiac Surgery
• Last Updated: 30 April 2025

Also Known as an electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB)

Introduction

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your procedure Navigational Bronchoscopy procedure. Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your doctor but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team caring for you.

What is a Navigational Bronchoscopy

A flexible tube known as a bronchoscope which is passed down on to your lungs with the intention of taking a tissue biopsy. This technology uses electromagnetic GPS technology combined with your CT scan and computer programming to develop a three-dimensional map of the lungs and airways. This allows the operator, your surgeon to biopsy the area of your lung which corresponds to the area shown or identified on your scans as having an area of concern or change.

Why is this type of surgery being offered

This procedure allows your surgeon to navigate deep into your lungs to biopsy areas which would, before the introduction of this technology would be difficult to biopsy. Your surgeon has deemed this to be a suitable procedure to offer you. The procedure obtains suitable tissue samples which lead to a diagnosis in around 70 to 80% of cases

What are the complications or risks

All types of surgical procedure carry risks. Potential risks or complications associated with this procedure include, bleeding, infection and potential injury to the lung.

How do I prepare for robotic surgery?

There is no specific preparation for the surgery however you should eat well and exercise within your limits, you should be as physically fit and well Nourished as this prepares you for the procedure and your recovery afterwards. If you have signs of an infection for example a cough, cold or sore throat your procedure may be postponed.

What will happen?

This section should explain precise details of:

• You will be admitted to ward 27 Castle Hill Hospital the day before your procedure.
• You will be greeted by a member of the ward team on your arrival
• Your surgeon will perform your procedure
• The procedure will be performed under a general anaesthetic
• You would generally be allowed home later in the day following your procedure

What Happens afterwards?

• You will be encouraged to be mobile following your procedure
• Any histology results may take 2 to 3 weeks to process, sometimes longer
• Recovery period is around 2 days
• Expected length of stay in hospital vary between 1 or 2 days
• Following the procedure you may have a cough for a few days
• You will be contacted by your surgeon around two weeks following your discharge from the ward who will check on your recovery and explain the biopsy results. You may also be contacted by the Macmillan Thoracic Surgery Lung CNS Team with any further information for example if your case has been discussed in the Lung Cancer MDT and there is information to give you following this. The lung Cancer MDT is a meeting or gathering of consultants and specialist nurse involved in your care who discuss your case at key points in your investigation, treatment and management.
• Follow-up treatment and management, this will depend on the histopathology or biopsy findings.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact Ward 27 Castle Hill Hospital on tel: 01482 461621 or the Macmillan Lung CNS Team on tel: 01482 461090.