Flexible bronchoscopy in infants.

Flexible bronchoscopy is a useful diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic tool in small or premature infants, just as it is in older children. Special diligence is required to monitor the child before, during, and after the procedure, and to choose the appropriate instrument. Procedures must be completed rapidly, because most premature infants will be essentially apneic during the time the tip of a flexible bronchoscope is below the glottis. For some procedures, a rigid instrument may be a better choice, although for the majority of diagnostic procedures, flexible instruments are entirely satisfactory.