Flexible bronchoscopy contribution in the approach of diagnosis and
treatment of children\u2019s respiratory diseases: the experience of a
unique pediatric unit in Tunisia.
Objective: Our study aimed at assessing the role of flexible
bronchoscopy (FB) in improving diagnosis and management of
children\u2019s respiratory conditions in the pediatric unit of FB,
newly created and unique in Tunisia. Methods: Retrospective study
including all the FB achieved in our pediatric unit from 2009 to 2014.
Results: We performed 365 FB in 333 patients aged 46 months on average
(1 month - 15 years), often under conscious anesthesia (81.6%). FB was
performed for diagnostic purposes in 341 cases and for therapeutic
purposes in 24 cases. Eight anatomical abnormalities were revealed in
22 patients. An intraluminal bronchial obstruction was found in 71 FB,
mainly due to a foreign body (n=36). A vascular anomaly was responsible
for nine cases out of 17 extraluminal obstructions. Airways malacia was
observed in 60 FB. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed in 196 cases.
It was determinant in 43.9% of the cases. FB was of great diagnostic
value in 74.8% of the cases. It influenced the management of the
patients in 58% of the cases. The FB for therapeutic purposes was
beneficial in all cases. Few complications occurred (5.5%). Conclusion:
FB is a safe tool providing precious diagnostic and/or therapeutic help
for the clinician. Keywords