A Retrospective Analysis of Interventional Flexible Bronchoscopic Procedures in Pediatric Patients

Authors : Aslı İmran Yılmaz, Dirk Schramm, Sevgi Pekcan

Pages : 1020-1031

Doi:10.54005/geneltip.1741443

View : 80 | Download : 229

Publication Date : 2025-10-28

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Background: Pediatric interventional pulmonology has significantly advanced in recent years with the integration of minimally invasive techniques such as cryotherapy, balloon dilation, and endobronchial biopsies. Flexible bronchoscopy, once primarily a diagnostic tool, has now become an essential therapeutic modality in managing complex pediatric airway and pulmonary conditions. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate interventional procedures performed using flexible bronchoscopy in pediatric patients over a one-year period. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on pediatric patients who underwent interventional flexible bronchoscopy between June 2024 and June 2025. Data collected included demographic information, indications for bronchoscopy, types of interventional procedures performed, bronchoscopic findings, and observed complications. All procedures were conducted under sedation or general anesthesia by experienced pediatric pulmonologists using age-appropriate bronchoscopes. Results: A total of 24 patients (13 males) with a mean age of 91 months underwent interventional bronchoscopic procedures. The most common indications included subglottic stenosis (16.7%), suspected primary ciliary dyskinesia (16.7%), interstitial lung disease (20.8%), and foreign body aspiration (16.7%). A total of 27 procedures were performed, including balloon dilatation (22.2%), cryobiopsy (37.0%), foreign body removal (14.8%), and cryodevitalization (11.1%). The complication rate was low, with only mild bleeding in two patients and moderate bleeding in one; no pneumothorax was reported. Conclusion: Pediatric flexible bronchoscopy is a safe and effective method for both diagnosis and therapy in children with complex respiratory conditions. With the availability of thinner instruments and increased expertise, advanced interventional techniques are now more accessible and applicable in pediatric populations. Structured training programs and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential to further develop and standardize pediatric interventional pulmonology practices.
Keywords : Bronkoskopi, Çocuk, Girişimsel Bronkoskopi, Fleksibl Bronkoskopi

ORIGINAL ARTICLE URL