Diagnostic yield of non-guided flexible bronchoscopy for peripheral pulmonary neoplasia.

Background: The role of conventional bronchoscopy for peripheral pulmonary neoplasia remains controversial. We aimed to assess the diagnostic yield and the added value of non-guided bronchial aspiration, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and brushing for the diagnosis of pulmonary neoplasia not visible endoscopically.

Methods: We retrospectively assessed 207 consecutive patients with a final diagnosis of peripheral lung malignancy who underwent bronchoscopy with non-guided aspiration, brushing, and BAL as their initial evaluation.