Diagnostic and therapeutic evaluation of bronchoscopy.

The diagnostic and therapeutic efficacy of bronchoscopy was determined in 85 children. The major indications were foreign body removal in younger patients and evaluation of tracheobronchial pathology in older children. Foreign body was commonly isolated in the toddlers and even in the elder age group (19%) as well as in those with suspected ingestion (44%). Groundnut was the predominant foreign body and right bronchus was the most frequent site. Tracheobronchitis (27%), bronchiectasis (13%) endobronchial tuberculosis (9.4%) and mucus plug (3%) were the other frequent findings. Bronchography was performed in 16 patients and it confirmed the diagnosis in 75% of the cases. Minor complications were encountered in 8% of patients. In the present study bronchoscopy yielded definite results in 83% and in many, including those with normal findings it guided further management.