Fasihuddin S, Mashlah-a, Alkaffas E, Tauheed H.
Eight year audit of fibreoptic bronchoscopies performed at King Abdul Aziz hospital, Makkah, Saudia Arabia.
Pak J Chest Med Jan ;18(03):9-16.

Background and Objectives: Since the introduction of the first flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope by Shigeto Ikeda in 1966, Fibreoptic bronchoscopy has been a valuable tool in the diagnosis of pulmonary diseases. Flexible bronchoscopy is very safe and has a high diagnostic yield. The objectives of this study were to analyze the spectrum of diseases diagnosed on bronchoscopy in our hospital during the designated study period and compare our findings with those reported in literature. Design and setting: This is a retrospective study of Fibreoptic bronchoscopy performed at King Abdul Aziz Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia during the eight year period from 1420-1427AH (April 1999 to Jan 2007). Material and Method: In addition to demographic data, we collected, in each case, information regarding indication of the procedure, clinical features, radiological findings and the results of bronchoscopy, including analysis of bronchial aspirate and histopathology of biopsy specimen. Results: A total of 399 patients underwent the procedure during the study period. All FOBs were performed without premedication and were free from any complication. A specific diagnosis was obtained in 101 (25.2%) patients. Bronchial biopsy and washing confirmed the diagnosis of bronchial carcinoma in 64(16%) patients. Small cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma had almost similar incidences with large cell carcinoma relatively uncommon. 37(9.3%) patients were diagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis, 22(5.5%) showing caseating epitheloid granuloma on biopsy and 15(3.7%) positive for acid fast bacilli in the bronchial aspirate. Biopsy and histopathology confirmed 2(0.5%) cases of sarcoidosis. Conclusion: Diagnostic bronchoscopy is a useful and safe tool for the diagnosis of pulmonary lesions particularly bronchogenic carcinoma and pulmonary tuberculosis. It has a good positive diagnostic yield and should be used liberally wherever indicated.

PakMediNet -Pakistan's largest Database of Pakistani Medical Journals - http://www.pakmedinet.com