French national survey by the GELF on flexible bronchoscopy, patients, indications, results and complications

Objective: Estimate the indications and the results of the flexible bronchoscopy in France in 2009. Material and method: The GELF led a forward-looking investigation in Mars 2009 with 150 pulmonologists distributed in a random way on the territory by a questionnaire of 2 patient cases. An extrapolation of procedures was realized over the year and on the number of days worked. Results: A number estimated by 352 500 flexible bronchoscopies were realized in 2009. 64% of the procedures were made in public hospital Conclusion: This survey of the GELF is the first study allowing the extrapolation of the number of annual bronchoscopies in France, the results and complications. The bronchoscopy allows on the national level, the diagnosis of a significant number of bronchial cancers.