[The use of bronchofibroscopy in intensive care].

The bronchofibroscope has enabled the exploration of new avenues of diagnosis and treatment in intensive-care medicine. Its proper use depends on correct indication and conscientious and careful maintenance. This paper presents, first of all, the most essential technical and maintenance measures required in handling the bronchofibroscope. This is followed by a detailed description of the therapeutic use of the instrument in bronchial lavage with instillation of salbutamol, and of the more recent methods of broncho-alveolar lavage and high-frequency ventilation. Finally, indications for bronchofibroscopy in surgery and internal medicine and as an intubation aid are described.