Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy and laryngoscopy in infants and children.

A pediatric flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope was employed in the examination and/or therapy of 164 infants and children ranging in age from 1 day to 16 years. Ninety-two bronchoscopies and 72 laryngoscopies were performed without any mortality or significant morbidity; 78% of laryngoscopies and 35% of bronchoscopies were performed in children under 2 years of age. The instrument was helpful in terms of diagnosis, as a tool for aspirating secretions and resolving atelectasis, and as a guide for surgical intervention. It is concluded that flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is a safe procedure in small infants and children and serves as an important aid in the diagnosis and therapy of disorders of the respiratory tract in this age group. However, caution should be expressed in its use in children with compromised ventilation, bradycardia or bleeding diathesis. Moreover, in suspected foreign body aspiration, the rigid-open tube bronchoscopy should be employed.