pulmonary disorders
Bronchoscopy
Indications for Bronchoscopy
Flexible bronchoscopesfacilitate airway visualization and documentation of findings (see table). Diagnostically, flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy allows for Direct airway visualization down to, and including, subsegmental bronchi Sampling of respiratory secretions and cells via bronchial washings, brushings, and lavage of peripheral airways and alveoli Biopsy of endobronchial, parenchymal, and mediastinal structures Therapeutic uses include Suctioning of retained secretions Placing an endobronchial tube, stent, or valve Removing foreign objects Using balloon dilation to relieve airway stenoses Rigid bronchoscopyis used only when a wider aperture and channels are required for better visualization and instrumentation, such as when Investigating vigorous pulmonary hemorrhage (in which the rigid bronchoscope can better identify the bleeding source and, with its larger suction channel, can better suction the blood and prevent asphyxiation) Viewing and removing aspirated foreign bodies in young children Viewing obstructive endobronchial lesions for possible laser debulking or stent placement 