Role of bronchoscopy in inhalation injuries

ABSTRACT

30 patients with cutaneous burn including various parts of the skin were examined for inhalation injuries by a thorough physical examination and a chest X-ray. Arterial blood was drown for gas analysis. Bronchoscopy was performed to visualise the bronchopulmonary system. Comparison of the results was carried out, and discussed. A conclusion is made that bronchoscopy is an acurate means of assessing inhalation injuries, even in the absence of clinical and radiological findings. Bronchoscopy can be performed without compilcations as pneumonia and bronchopneunonia and can play a role in prevention of atelectasis