Diagnostic yield of biopsies via fibre-optic bronchoscopy.

BACKGROUND Priority of all bronchoscopies has been diagnostic yield and various techniques have been introduced to improve it. Transbronchial biopsy (TBB) and transbronchial aspirates (TBA) also play an important role in improving diagnostic yield. The aim of the study was to determine the diagnostic yield of biopsies via fibre optic bronchoscopy (FOB) in 108 cases in which it was indicated. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Pulmonology department of Ayub teaching Hospital Abbottabad. Patients of all ages, sex and occupation on whom bronchoscopies were performed were included in the study. Bronchial biopsies were taken. RESULTS Out of 108 patients, who were biopsied, malignancy was confirmed in 48%, benign lesions in 49% and only 3% were non-diagnostic biopsies. CONCLUSION Diagnostic yield of FOB is good and is very useful for the diagnosis of pulmonary lesions.