[Histologic examinations during bronchial endoscopy: bronchial and transbronchial biopsy]

Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy was introduced by S. Ikeda at the end of the 1960's and has enabled considerable progress to be made in the diagnosis of tumours but equally for interstitial pathology. The different techniques are described and the techniques of transbronchial biopsy are stressed as well as side effects and specific complications such as pneumothorax or haemorrhage. The handling and servicing of the biopsies and the laboratory techniques are detailed. It is the overall quality of these practical aspects on which a correct interpretation of these tiny fragments depends.