Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy in Greek children.

BACKGROUND AND AIM Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) is one of the most important procedures in paediatric pulmonology. To the best of our knowledge there is no review - audit summarising the experience with FFB in children in Greece. We therefore analysed retrospectively all FFBs performed by the paediatric pulmonology team in our hospital in order to analyse indications for bronchoscopy in our population, explore diagnostic yield for each indication and highlight potential complications. Material - Methods: Three hundred and sixteen (316) diagnostic FFBs performed in 305 children during a six years period were retrospectively analysed. RESULTS Seventy five (75) % of bronchoscopies had a meaningful outcome. Diagnostic yield for individual indications ranged from 41% to 91%. Stridor was the most rewarding indication (91%). Fever was the most common side effect (7%). The rest of complications were in small numbers and easily reversible. CONCLUSIONS Bronchoscopy is a safe procedure and in our diverse population the overall diagnostic yield was 75%.