Pediatric flexible and rigid bronchoscopy in European centers—Availability and current practice

Abstract

Compared to the 1997 survey, our results suggest that pediatric bronchoscopy has become more widely available and established in Europe. Different practices in individual countries suggest that more effort should be put on standardizing bronchoscopic procedures across Europe.

Complications and risk factors in pediatric bronchoscopy in a tertiary pediatric respiratory center

“…Existing reports on the incidence and the severity of complications related to bronchoscopy are extremely inconsistent, ranging from under 5% to over 30% . These inconsistencies are likely related to various factors including differences in the definitions of complications, patient populations and the types of procedures …”

“…Flexible and rigid bronchoscopy are established routine techniques for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in children and adolescents in specialized pediatric centers . Improved technology during the last several years has increased the versatility of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures especially in very small patients and children, who are at increased risk for complications related to certain comorbidities .…”

“…The risk of relevant adverse events is dependent on several factors including the patients’ periprocedural condition, pre‐existing disease, and the type of intervention, which likely differ considerably even between large pediatric centers. Nevertheless data on the occurrence and the severity of complications related to bronchoscopy in children and adolescents are still scarce and sometimes contradictory . Furthermore, the comparability of existing studies is hindered by differences in study design and inconsistent definitions of complications.…”

“…Nevertheless data on the occurrence and the severity of complications related to bronchoscopy in children and adolescents are still scarce and sometimes contradictory. [2][3][4][5]17,[19][20][21] Furthermore, the comparability of existing studies is hindered by differences in study design and inconsistent definitions of complications. Only a few studies have focused on potential risk factors for complications in pediatric patients.…”

Pediatric pulmonology year in review 2017: Part 1

“…A large international study of the practice and availability of pediatric bronchoscopy was presented by Schramm et al A first such survey had been performed 1997 and the present study was again initiated by the European Respiratory Society. In total, 198 European centers from 33 countries participated and reported on 57 145 bronchoscopies.…”