[Evaluation of bronchoscopic examinations in Poland]

The aim of the study was to assess the state of bronchoscopical examinations in Poland. The analysis was based on a quantitative method using a questionnaire. It encompassed the year 1986. 22,936 examinations were performed in 76 centers (61.0 per 100,000 population, 1.19 per one hospital bed per year). 239 physicians performed bronchoscopies annually. The mean was 96 bronchoscopies ranging from 14-835. Only 20 out of 76 centers were well equipped, 17-satisfactory. In 39 the equipment was judged to be below satisfactory level. The number of examinations is well below the level needed. If one would narrow down the number of patients requiring a bronchoscopy to only two groups--those with malignancy and unconfirmed tuberculosis the number of bronchoscopies per one patient is only 0.9. The authors suggest means of improving this situation in Poland.