Comparison of three techniques of lung lavage in patients with cystic fibrosis.

One hundred fifty-three lung lavage procedures were performed on 81 cystic fibrosis 
patients during the years 1963 to 1976. Local analgesia was used 
in 24 lavages done via a rigid bronchoscope and in a 
group of 73 lavages directed by a fiberoptic bronchoscope. No abnormalities 
in cardiac rate or rhythm were observed with the lavages directed 
by fiberoptic bronchoscope. Fifty-six lavages were performed under general anesthesia with 
20 cardiac abnormalities being noted among this group. Subjective improvement was 
noted in 96% of the 56 patients who had lavage under 
general anesthesia. Objective improvement was apparent in 45% of the 24 
patients who had lavage with the rigid bronchoscope and 64% of 
the 36 patients who had lavage by fiberoptic bronchoscopy. It is 
concluded that patients with cystic fibrosis of varying stages of disability 
can more safety (and with good improvement) have bronchial washouts with 
the fiber-optic bronchoscope than with either of the other two techniques. 
