Direct visual examination of upper airway, vocal cords, and tracheobronchial tree out to the fourth to sixth division bronchi. Other procedures such as washings, brush biopsy, bronchoalveolar lavage, endobronchial and transbronchial biopsy are also included depending on the clinical indications.
Limited unsucsessfulness in retrieving foreign bodies and the management of massive hemoptysis- The procedure is markedly safe. Large reviews have shown that aproximately 50 % of the life-threatening complications are associated with premedication or topical anesthesia. The risk seems highest in patients with underlying cardiac disease and elderly. Patients with underlying bronchospastic disease are particularly prone to bronchospasm and laryngospasm and thus should be under optimal treatment before undertaking bronchoscopy.
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