Flexible bronchoscopy findings and management impact in children with oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Introduction: Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) are frequently performed in children with known or suspected aspiration, however, the additive value of FB in conjunction with direct laryngoscopy and rigid bronchoscopy (DLB) has not been previously quantified. This study details the common endoscopic/cytological findings and associated management impact of FB and BAL in pediatric Aerodigestive patients undergoing combined airway evaluation (FB and DLB) for oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed in children <3 years of age followed through a large Aerodigestive center undergoing outpatient, combined airway endoscopy for dysphagia.