A Clinical Study : Role of Flexible Fiberoptic Bronchoscopic Biopsy in Diagnosis of Lung Cancer

Abstract

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is very safe and highly sensitive investigation for patients suspected of having lung
cancer. It allows one to visualize the tracheobronchial tree and perform a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic
procedures. Aim & Objectives : To study the clinical profile of patients suspected of having lung cancer, the
etiological factors, the complications and safety of the procedure & diagnostic yield of the procedure. Materials &
Method: This is a prospective study conducted in the Pulmonary Medicine Department of B. J. Medical College
and Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad from November 2015 to December 2016. We performed flexible bronchoscopy
and took biopsy for histopathological examination along with BAL and Endobronchial Brushings in 44 patients
suspected of lung cancer after through clinical examination and investigations. Observation & Conclusion: Out
of 44 patients 40 were diagnosed lung cancer with histopathological confirmation by bronchoscopy while rest 4
patients were diagnosed with CT guided biopsy. Yield of bronchoscopic biopsy is 90.91%, of BAL is 20.45% and of
brushings is 70%. Adenocarcinoma is the most common type (50%). Only 4.54% patients developed
complications. Mortality is 0%. Thus flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is very safe procedure.