The flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope: diagnostic tool or medical toy?

We began using the fiberoptic bronchoscope March 1, 1971, and after more than 2,800 examinations are convinced it is a highly useful diagnostic tool. We pass the open-end straight bonchoscope into the upper trachea under local anesthesia. Then, the fiberoptic bronchoscope is passed through this conduit. The advantages of the technique are discussed. The greatest advantage of fiberoptic bronchoscopy is the extended visibility it provides of peripheral lesions in the tracheobronchial tree. In this series, which includes more than 700 patients with primary bonchogenic carcinoma, the tumor was visible in one-third of the patients when only the straight bronchoscope was used while in two-thirds it was visible with the flexible bronchoscope. There were no deaths, and complications were rare and of little consequence. Thoracic surgeons are urged to use this instrument.