Fibre-optic bronchoscopy. Experience at Groote Schuur Hospital

The 4-year experience with flexible fibre-optic bronchoscopy at Groote Schuur Hospital is presented. A total of 809 patients were bronchoscoped, follow-up data on 705 being available. The procedure was performed for a wide variety of indications, suspected malignant disease and tuberculosis being the two most common. The diagnostic rate in these conditions was 74% and 71% respectively. Other indications included the evaluation of diffuse pulmonary lesions, shadows on the chest radiographs in immunocompromised patients, use in the intensive care unit, investigation of haemoptysis with a normal chest radiograph, inspection of the airway, bronchography and clearance of secretions.