[Bronchoscopy]

Abstract

Bronchoscopy, which in most situations is performed by flexible fiber endoscopy, has become an indispensable diagnostic tool for pneumologists. Besides inspection of the airways, it is possible to obtain secretions or tissue under direct visual control, by transbronchial needle aspiration or by transbronchial forceps biopsy under fluoroscopic guidance. Cells from the alveolar space can be sampled by broncho-alveolar lavage. Adequately processed material is diagnostic for a few diseases, but valuable hints may be obtained in differential diagnosis. Laser light (Nd-YAG), transmissible through flexible quartz fibers, is opening up new therapeutic dimensions in bronchoscopy.