Abstract
Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) is an important tool in the diagnostic and therapeutic armamentarium of the critical care practitioner. In this chapter the indications, contraindications, and complications of FFB are discussed. FFB requires specialized training and should be performed only by experienced individuals; therefore, a detailed review of the technique of the procedure is beyond the scope of this chapter. A brief description of the method of performing FFB and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in critically ill patients is included to assist critical care physicians in the management of patients during and after these procedures.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Surgical Critical Care, Second Edition |
| Publisher | CRC Press |
| Pages | 905-914 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780824721480 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780824759117 |
| State | Published - Jan 1 2005 |