Abstract

ABSTRACT:
OBJECTIVE:
The aim of the study is to evaluate the role of both the flexible and the rigid bronchoscopy in the diagnosis
carcinoma of the lung according to our present experience.
METHODS:
192 cases of carcinoma of the lung in whom diagnosis was established histopathologically or cytologically and for whom bronchoscopy, rigid or flexible was performed to establish diagnosis or to assess operability, have been studied.
RESULTS:
Out of the 104 patients examined by flexible bronchoscopy, histopathological or cytological diagnosis was established in 72 patients (69.23%). Intrabroncheal tumor was visualized in 52 patients (50%). Biopsy was taken in 49 out of these 52 patients and was positive in 43 patients (87.75%).
Out of the 88 patients examined with rigid bronchoscopy histopathological or cytological diagnosis was established in 62 patients (70.45%). Intrabroncheal tumor was visualized in 40 patients (45.45%). Biopsy was taken in all these 40 patients and it was positive in 39 patients (97.5%).
CONCLUSION:
The study showed that the two modalities of bronchoscopy were safe and almost with the same diagnostic capability, with the flexible bronchoscopy having more extended scope of vision while the rigid one having better and more accurate biopsies.