| Abstract: | A bronchoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the upper respiratory tract, trachea and bronchial tree. The technique was developed in the 1960s and introduced into clinical practice a decade later (Stradling, 1991). The use of a flexible, fibreoptic instrument that incorporates a light source, biopsy and suction channel is inserted via the mouth or nose. This enables the bronchoscopist to inspect the airways visually, identify any abnormalities and obtain samples of secretions, cells or tissue biopsies (Lesser, 2003). |
