Role of Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy (Fob) in Clinico-Radiologically Undiagnosed Cases of Respiratory Diseases

Background: Respiratory diseases are commonly present and mostly diagnosed on routine clinical assesment and non invasive investigations. However some of the diseases are still undiagnosed and required invasive methods. FOB is one of the important invasive tool for diagnosis of diseases. Despite, recent technical innovations in bronchoscopy, routine FOB is practiced with high yield and cost effectiveness. Results: Bronchial biospy done in 40 cases with positive yield in 82.5% & all having malignancy lung. Bronchial brushing was done in 50 cases with diagnostic yield in 48% of various diseases. Profile of these cases was malignancy 36%, pulmonary tuberculosis 8% and atypical cells in 4%. Bronchial aspirate was done in all 75 cases with diagnostic yield in 28% cases. Out of them 20% having AFB positive, malignant cells 4% and atypical cell in 4% cases. Conclusion: Routine FOB is important tool for diagnosis of various lung diseases.