Update on pediatric flexible bronchoscopy.
Technological advances in flexible bronchoscopy have expanded the clinician's ability to diagnose and treat pulmonary disease in children. During the neonatal period, flexible bronchoscopy has contributed to the understanding of the incidence and factors responsible for acquired airway lesions. The ability to selectively collect lower airway secretions has contributed to the care of immunocompromised patients with new pulmonary infiltrates. New therapies may use the flexible bronchoscope to specifically target lower airway tissues of interest. Because of the breadth of both current and future applications, most pediatricians will require a working familiarity with the benefits of flexible bronchoscopy in their patients.
Perez
C R
CR
Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio.
Wood
R E
RE
D020680:Bronchoscopes; D001999:Bronchoscopy; D002648:Child; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*