Abstract

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) is an important procedure for diagnosis of different respiratory problems. The present study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic role of FOB in Hilar & Parahilar shadows and also to evaluate the value of bronchial Aspirate, brushing and biopsy in final diagnosis of various lung diseases. Study was carried out on 51 patients reporting the tertiary care centre of department. of T.B. and  respiratory diseases, S.P. medical college, Bikaner, Rajasthan. Among the cases included in this study, 57% cases have both (Hilar & Parahilar) shadows at left side. Vocal cord paralysis was in 1/5^th (20%) cases. Endobronchial growth found in 59% cases.  External compression was observed in 21.5% cases followed by inflammation in 15.6% and normal in 9.8% cases. Definite diagnostic yield of FOB for various lung diseases was 86%. Maximum cases (72%) diagnosed as lung cancer. Max. diagnostic yield in diagnosing lung cancer was through bronchial brushing (70%). Maximum diagnostic yield of procedure for malignancy was in bronchial biopsy (88%).  Thus FOB technique has a high diagnostic yield in current clinical practice. Results suggested that the diagnostic yield of FOB of present study is as good as with studies performed by other centres within the country and abroad. This technique is more constructive in diagnosis when combined with a sound clinical judgment and other supportive investigations.

Keywords:  Fiberoptic bronchoscopy, Radiological, Hilar shadow, parahilar shadow, Diagnostic yield, lung cancer.