title: Rigid bronchoscopy: the value of a venerable procedure.
abstract: The rigid bronchoscope is a unique and invaluable instrument that allows evaluation, control, and therapeutic manipulation of the proximal tracheobronchial tree. Massive hemoptysis, foreign body removal, airway stenosis, laser resection, and pediatric bronchoscopy are the most common indications for the rigid bronchoscope. Improved anesthetic agents have improved the safety and comfort of the procedure for patients having either diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. The ability to use the rigid bronchoscope in therapeutic situations depends, however, on a level of skill and experience with the instrument that can be obtained only by its frequent use for diagnostic indications in the proximal airway.
authors.affiliation: Harvard Medical School, Lung Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Wain
mesh_terms: D000758:Anesthesia; D020680:Bronchoscopes; D001999:Bronchoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D000075202:Contraindications; D006801:Humans; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D012122:Ventilators, Mechanical