BACKGROUND: During recent years, bronchoscopy has evolved considerably. Numerous clinical investigations, symposia, congresses and training courses have demonstrated the renewed interest in respiratory endoscopy. However, it is unknown whether this has modified bronchoscopy practice. OBJECTIVE: Obtain information regarding the opinions and practices of pulmonologists who perform diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopy in Brazil. METHOD: A survey consisting of 56 questions was mailed to 576 pulmonologists associated with the SBPT-DER. RESULTS: A total of 111 questionnaires (19.2%) were returned and analyzed. All respondents were familiar with flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy, but only 45% had performed rigid bronchoscopy. Less than 15% of the responders had performed any therapeutic bronchoscopic procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of respondents (87.3%) thought that pulmonary societies and specialized training centers should initiate and disseminate informative materials and programs to optimize and perfect the practice of respiratory endoscopy, including therapeutic bronchoscopy, in Brazil.
Bronchoscopy; Survey; Bronchoscopy practice
