Utility of fiberoptic bronchoscopy in diagnosis of various lung conditions: Our experience at rural medical college

摘要

Aim:To evaluate the utility of fiberoptic bronchoscopy in order to find out the etiology in various lung conditions.Materials and Methods:Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was performed in 120 adult patients who had persistent opacities on chest radiography in the form of collapse, consolidation, hilar mass and cavity with proper antibiotic course of 1 to 3 months. Bronchoscopic aspirates, brushing and biopsy (as and when required) were taken. Patient with known lung cancer, sputum positive pulmonary TB, recent myocardial infarction, allergic diseases and blood dyscrasias were excluded.Results:Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was diagnostic in 90 (75%) patients. Bacterial pneumonias were found in 32 (26.66%), malignancy in 28(23.33%), pulmonary TB in 20 (16.66%), fungal pneumonia in 6(5%) and foreign bodies in 4(3.33%) patients. In 30(25%) patients no specific diagnosis was made.Conclusion:We conclude that fiberoptic bronchoscopy was found to be extremely useful in finding specific etiology of various lung diseases.