Anil Sachdev1, Ritika Chhawchharia2, Dhiren Gupta2, Neeraj Gupta2. 1. Department of Pediatrics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi, India. Correspondence to: Dr Anil Sachdev, Department of Pediatrics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi 110 060, India. anilcriticare@gmail.com. 2. Department of Pediatrics, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi, India.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the utility of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy for the diagnosis and management in the neonatal ICU. METHODS: A retrospective, medical chart review was conducted in neonates who underwent flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy over a period of 7 years. Besides demographic data and diagnostic findings, the results of medical and/or surgical interventions done by treating neonatologist were recorded. RESULTS: 88 bronchoscopies were performed in 83 neonates, of which 37 were done through endotracheal tube. Indications included persistent need for mechanical ventilation (32), persistent atelectasis (21), and stridor (27). Most common airway anomalies diagnosed included tracheobronchomalacia (20), laryngomalacia (18), subglottic stenosis (7), choanal atresia (4), laryngeal cleft (4), and tracheoesophageal fistula (4). Surgical interventions were undertaken in 17 cases (9 tracheostomies and 2 cases of slide tracheoplasty). CONCLUSIONS: Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy can be beneficial for the diagnosis and management of neonates with persistent or undiagnosed respiratory problems.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the utility of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy for the diagnosis and management in the neonatal ICU. METHODS: A retrospective, medical chart review was conducted in neonates who underwent flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy over a period of 7 years. Besides demographic data and diagnostic findings, the results of medical and/or surgical interventions done by treating neonatologist were recorded. RESULTS: 88 bronchoscopies were performed in 83 neonates, of which 37 were done through endotracheal tube. Indications included persistent need for mechanical ventilation (32), persistent atelectasis (21), and stridor (27). Most common airway anomalies diagnosed included tracheobronchomalacia (20), laryngomalacia (18), subglottic stenosis (7), choanal atresia (4), laryngeal cleft (4), and tracheoesophageal fistula (4). Surgical interventions were undertaken in 17 cases (9 tracheostomies and 2 cases of slide tracheoplasty). CONCLUSIONS: Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy can be beneficial for the diagnosis and management of neonates with persistent or undiagnosed respiratory problems.