Tracheobronchoscopy

Fiberoptic tracheobronchoscopy is a safe and rewarding technique for the diagnosis and management of a wide spectrum of respiratory tract diseases. A nomenclature system has recently been developed that allows the systematic identification of canine endobronchial anatomy during bronchoscopy. This system results in an improved ability to communicate bronchoscopic findings and provides a basis for performing a thorough bronchoscopic examination. Complications of tracheobronchoscopy are uncommon, but patients must be carefully monitored during the procedure because complications may be severe and life-threatening when they occur. Special techniques enhance the diagnostic spectrum of bronchoscopy and include brush cytology, forceps biopsy, bacterial culture, transbronchial lung biopsy, transbronchial needle aspiration, and bronchoalveolar lavage.