[Cytologic examinations during bronchial endoscopy. Bronchial brushing and aspiration]

Bronchial cytology has become an essential diagnostic means in lung pathology for the diagnosis and typing of primary or secondary lung cancers. Bronchial cytology, initially consisting in the study of expectorations, has become increasingly interesting with the development of flexible fiberendoscopes, which allow the visual exploration of areas of the lungs as far down as the subsegmental bronchi. The effectiveness of this type of cytology applied to detected and located lesions accounts for the development of aspiration and brushing. However, the obtention of good cytological results primarily depends on the operator's and nurse's experience, as well as on the quality of the preparation of the slides and of their interpretation in the laboratory.