Role of Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy and Utility of Bronchial Washings and Brushings in the Diagnosis of Lung Diseases

Transbronchial lung biopsy via fiberoptic bronchoscope is an extremely useful technique by which bronchial as well as lung biopsies along with brushings and washings can be easily and safely taken. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) was performed and biopsies were done in 250 patients. In addition, bronchial brushings and washings were also taken in 140 and 115 cases, respectively. Adequate material was obtained in 242 cases. The cases were broadly classified into neoplastic and nonneoplastic categories. Malignancies and specific granulomatous diseases, tuberculosis and sarcoidosis were the main diseases diagnosed. Brushings showed a sensitivity of 88.2% and a specificity of 98.9% for the diagnosis of neoplasms. On the other hand, washings had only a 34.9% sensitivity and a 98.6% specificity in diagnosing neoplastic disorders. We concluded that FOB is a safe and effective tool in the diagnostic work-up of suspected malignancies and neoplastic lung diseases.