Abstract
Pre-operative fiberoptic bronchoscopy and computed tomography (CT) were performed on 33 patients with advanced esophageal carcinoma, and the accuracy of the diagnosis by fiberoptic bronchoscopy and/or CT were compared in terms of evaluation of tracheobronchial invasion of the esophageal carcinoma. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy had 100% sensitivity and 45% specificity, with an overall accuracy of 65% in the diagnosis of tracheobronchial invasion. CT had 55% sensitivity and 68% specificity, with 64% overall accuracy. The accuracy rate was equivalent in both fiberoptic bronchscopy and CT. In conclusion, fiberoptic bronchoscopy seems evaluated first in the diagnosis of tracheobronchial invasion of esophageal carcinoma, followed by CT in confirming the site and grade of the involvement.
