Usefulness of Miniature Flexible Fiberoptic

A miniature flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope (FFB) (Olympus BF-N20) (2.2 mm diameter) was applied to 53 children (20 female subjects) ranging in age from 3 months to 15 years (mean, 4.19 years). Most common indications for bronchoscopy included stridor or weak cry and persistent wheezing or cough unresponsive to inhaled bronchodilators, chest physiotherapy, steroids, and antimicrobial agents. There were no complications. In 38 children (71.6 percent) it was diagnostically useful, particularly for the investigations of upper airway obstruction (66 percent). In 22 children (41.5 percent) it provided guidance for surgical interventions. The instrument was particularly useful during its application in infants with severe upper airway obstruction who otherwise would require open rigid-tube bronchoscopy in the operating room. It was of limited value when excessive bronchial secretions obstructed the view of the