Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Use of bronchofiberscopy in management of severe thoracic trauma
Chao-pu Liu1, Jin-mou Gao, Ping Hu
1Department of Traumatology, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing 400014, China.
Objective:
To investigate the diagnostic and therapeutic effect of bronchofiberscopy in the management of severe thoracic trauma.
Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted on 207 consecutive patients with severe thoracic trauma enrolled in our hospital between January 2008 and June 2012. During the period, 488 bronchofiberscopies and lavages were done. The bronchofiberscope was inserted through tracheal incision (282), nasal cavity (149) and oral cavity (57). Intensive SaO2 monitoring as well as blood gas analysis were performed pre-, intra- and postoperatively. Simultaneously oxygen therapy or ventilatory support was given. Sputum culture was done intraoperatively.
Results:
Diagnosis in 207 cases was confirmed by bronchofiberscopy. The result of sputum culture was positive in 78 cases. Lavage was performed on 156 cases. SaO2 significantly increased after bronchofiberscopies as well as lavages and PaO2 obviously improved 2 h after surgery (both P less than 0.05). Heart rate and respiratory rate decreased. There was no bronchofiberscopy-related death.
Conclusion:
Bronchofiberscopy plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of severe thoracic trauma, which can not only timely diagnose bronchial injury and collect deep tracheal sputum for bacterial culture but also effectively remove foreign body, secretion, blood and sputum crust in the airway, manage obstructive atelectasis and pneumonia, and significantly improve respiratory function and treatment outcome.
Related Concept Videos
Flail Chest-II
Assessment:
1. Clinical Evaluation:
History:
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due to...
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
