Flexible Bronchoscopy
A minimally invasive endoscopic procedure using a thin, flexible fiberoptic scope to visually examine the airways from the larynx to the subsegmental bronchi in paediatric patients.
Full Definition
Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) in paediatric pulmonology is distinct from rigid bronchoscopy, which is typically performed under general anaesthesia in the operating room. The flexible scope can be advanced through a natural airway or an endotracheal tube, allowing simultaneous visualisation and sampling via bronchoalveolar lavage or protected specimen brushing. In infants, the procedure demands paediatric-specific scope sizes (2.2–3.8 mm outer diameter). Editors should note that 'flexible bronchoscopy' and 'bronchoscopy' are not synonymous in paediatric contexts, where rigid bronchoscopy retains distinct indications such as foreign body retrieval.
Usage
Usage note: Do not use 'bronchoscopy' as a generic umbrella when the procedure type is specified; specify 'flexible' or 'rigid' on first reference.
In Context
- "Flexible bronchoscopy confirmed dynamic airway collapse consistent with tracheomalacia in the six-month-old patient." — Operative report
- "The manuscript incorrectly used 'bronchoscopy' when the described technique was specifically flexible bronchoscopy — the editor flagged the distinction." — Peer-review editorial note