Pediatric bronchoscopy: literature review from 1970 to 2022

Abstract

Objective: Bronchoscopy is an invasive procedure with therapeutic and diagnostic applications enshrined in medical literature. The development of smaller-caliber flexible bronchoscopes favored the dissemination of the method in pediatrics from the 1970s onwards, occupying, from then on, an increasing space in pediatric pulmonology. The purpose of this article is to review the use of bronchoscopy in pediatrics, its most prevalent indications, demographic data, clinical relevance, and possible complications. Data Source: This is a narrative review of articles published in the last 52 years. A total of 24 articles were selected using the BVSalud database, with the keywords “pediatric and bronchoscopy”. Data Synthesis: There was an increasing number of publications reporting the experience in pediatric bronchoscopy by different groups in different countries. Flexible bronchoscopes are increasingly used. The most prevalent indications varied from center to center, with stridor, atelectasis, recurrent/persistent pneumonia, suspected foreign body, chest wheezing, and chronic cough being the most common indications. The most frequently reported complications during the procedure were transient hypoxemia, laryngeal and bronchospasm and, after the procedure, cough and fever. Conclusion: Bronchoscopy has been established as a useful and safe method in pediatrics.