Bronchoscopy is a medical procedure used to visualize and examine the airways of the lungs, specifically the bronchi and bronchioles. It can serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. There are two primary types of bronchoscopy: rigid bronchoscopy and flexible (fiber-optic) bronchoscopy. Each type has its own set of indications, advantages, and limitations.
The choice between rigid and flexible bronchoscopy depends on the specific clinical scenario, the need for diagnostic or therapeutic interventions, and the patient's condition. Both techniques play essential roles in the evaluation and management of lung and airway disorders.
