[Spectrum of indications for flexible bronchoscopy. Importance in a general hospital]

Fiberbronchoscopy is an extremely safe procedure carrying only minimal risk to the patient. Diagnostic application may include a transbronchial biopsy, brushing, and bronchoalveolar lavage. The indications for therapeutic bronchoscopy are, in particular, targeted irrigation and aspiration, extraction of foreign bodies, and hemostasis. Diagnostic and therapeutic indications are demonstrated in a number of cases.