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Local experience in paediatric flexible bronchoscopy
M Z Norzila1, A W Norrashidah, A Rusanida
1Department of Paediatrics, Institut Pediatrik, Hospital Kuala Lumpur.
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
|January 31, 2004
Summary
Flexible bronchoscopy is a safe procedure for children, with chronic stridor being the most common reason for its use. While rare complications like desaturation can occur, benefits generally outweigh risks when performed by trained professionals.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pediatric Endoscopy
Background:
- Flexible bronchoscopy is an important diagnostic tool in pediatric respiratory medicine.
- Indications for the procedure in children often relate to airway abnormalities and persistent lung changes.
- Assessing the safety and efficacy of flexible bronchoscopy in pediatric populations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the indications, outcomes, and safety of flexible bronchoscopy in children.
- To identify the most common reasons for performing the procedure in a pediatric setting.
- To evaluate the complication rate associated with pediatric flexible bronchoscopy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of pediatric patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy.
- Data collected included patient demographics, indications for the procedure, and immediate outcomes.
- Analysis of complications such as desaturation, laryngospasm, pneumonia, pneumothorax, and bleeding.
Main Results:
- A total of 110 children underwent flexible bronchoscopy, with a median age of 8 months.
- The most frequent indication was chronic stridor (50 cases), commonly due to laryngomalacia (29 cases).
- Three procedures were abandoned due to desaturation; one patient required ventilation for laryngospasm. Two neonates developed pneumonia post-procedure. No pneumothorax or bleeding occurred.
Conclusions:
- Flexible bronchoscopy is a safe and valuable procedure for diagnosing pediatric respiratory conditions, particularly chronic stridor.
- While complications are rare, careful patient selection and experienced personnel are essential for minimizing risks.
- The benefits of flexible bronchoscopy in children generally outweigh the potential risks when indicated.