Abstract
Background. To enhance the diagnostic accuracy and to reduce the burden patients must endure in bronchoscopy for evaluations of peripheral lung lesions, we have recently employed the quick cytological examination. Objective. By making comparisons of the diagnostic rate before and after introduction, and by making comparisons with examinations, we strive to clarify the effectiveness of the quick cytological examination. Material and Methods. From April 2004 to December 2005, 269 patients underwent bronchoscopy in our division. In transbronchial lung biopsies (sampling) using bronchoscopy, we retrospectively analyzed and compared group A (without quick cytological examination; up to April 2005) with group B (with quick cytological examination; from May 2005) in diagnostic rates and in sampling numbers such as brushing, curet, washing and biopsy. Results. In malignant lesions, the diagnostic rates of group A and group B were 61.9% (39 of 63 patients) and 88.5% (23 of 26 patients), respectively. The diagnostic rate was significantly greater in group B than in group A. In non-malignant lesions, the diagnostic rates of group A and group B were 75% (6 of 8 patients) and 75% (3 of 4 patients), respectively. There was a little more sampling numbers in group B than in the sampling numbers in group A. Washing was performed in almost all patients of group A, but in only one patient of group B. A complication was confirmed in only one patient of group A. Conclusion. Trans-bronchial lung biopsy with quick cytological examination by using bronchoscopy contributes to increasing diagnostic accuracy and as a result, reduces the burden patients must bear. (JJSRE. 2006;28:557-560)
