Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy

Although the availability of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) has been a major advance in adult pulmonary medicine, the role of FFB in pediatric patients is not well defined. In this article, we try to review our 10-year experience in over 4,000 cases where FFB has been utilised. We feel that this procedure is safe, cost effective and is tolerated much better than the laryngoscopy or open tube bronchoscopy. It is rapid in diagnosing upper airway obstruction and can be done in an upright position.