An Experience in Fiberopticbronchoscopy in the Diagnosis of Pulmonary Diseases

ABSTRACT

We analysed the results of the 521 bronchofiberscopies which was carried out at the Severance Hospital during 1977-1980. The purpose of the bronchofiberscopic procedures were diagnostic in 488 cases (93.8%), therapeutic in 18 cases (3.4%) and follow up observation in 15 cases (2.8%). It's major role is in the diagnosis of lung cancer and the tuberculosis in our hospital. In 190 patients of lung cancer confirmed positive typing was possible in 72.9% by bronchial biopsy, 52.6% by washing cytology. In 48 patient with tuberculosis who was not diagnosed before bronchofiberscopy, tubercle bacilli were found in 20% by AFB smear, 51% by AFB culture and 68.4% by bronchoscopic biopsy. Complications were minimal(1.9%).