Fibreoptic bronchoscopy. Part I: TECHNIQUE AND APPRAISAL.

Fibreoptic bronchoscopy is a simple, useful examination suitable for the investigation of outpatients without general anaesthesia. It considerably extends the range of vision and diagnostic ability that is achieved with a rigid bronchoscope. Further, it lends itself to the diagnosis and management of many medical lung diseases in addition to carcinoma. The applications of fibreoptic bronchoscopy will be discussed in more detail in Part II.