title: Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy in Greek children.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  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%.
authors.affiliation: 3 Paediatric Clinic, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kirvassilis
authors.affiliation: 1 Paediatric Clinic, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gidaris
authors.affiliation: Anaesthesiology Department, Hippokratio Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ventouri
authors.affiliation: Anaesthesiology Department, Hippokratio Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zampouri
authors.affiliation: Anaesthesiology Department, Hippokratio Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mylona
authors.affiliation: 3 Paediatric Clinic, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Keramidiotis
authors.affiliation: University Pulmonology Clinic, G. Papanicolaou Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Th
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kontakiotis
authors.affiliation: 3 Paediatric Clinic, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Tsanakas
keywords: bronchoalveolar lavage; bronchoscopy; children; flexible bronchoscope