Fiberoptic bronchoscopy and peripheral pulmonary disease: the role of fluoroscopic control as a diagnostic aid.

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy combined with concomitant fluoroscopic control in 36 cases, permitted visual access to larger portions of the main tracheaobronchial tree as well as the peripheral pulmonary parenchyma. The overall diagnostic, (positive, suspicious) rate in the entire series of 36 cases was 85%. Using this technique, the diagnostic yield (positive or suspicious) was higher in diffuse pulmonary disease, (94%), than it was when a discrete peripheral pulmonary mass was present (73%). Twenty-two of the 36 patients (61%) were saved a formal diagnostic thoracotomy, a fact of extreme practical significance.