Flexible bronchoscopy.

Flexible bronchoscopy is an important procedure for evaluating the pediatric airway, allowing a dynamic view from the trachea through the lower bronchi. The flexible bronchoscope offers greater maneuverability than the rigid bronchoscope and may be done in conjunction with other procedures, such as bronchoalveolar lavage, transbronchial biopsy, endobronchial ultrasound, electrocautery or laser treatments. Common indications for flexible bronchoscopy include recurrent croup or pneumonia, aspiration, foreign body and chronic cough. Although bronchospasm, transient fever, infection and pneumothorax are rare complications of flexible bronchoscopy, these risks are minimized with careful technique and an ongoing dialogue with the anesthesiologist. Flexible bronchoscopy is an important tool in the diagnosis, monitoring and therapy of certain pulmonary diseases and should be considered in the management of carefully selected pediatric patients.