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Original Article The Value of Flexible Bronchoscopy in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Atelectasis; A Single-Center Experience of 108 Pediatric Patients
  • +7
  • Omer Faruk Ipek,
  • Ebru Yalcin (Guest Editor),
  • Özge Özen,
  • Birce Sunman,
  • Ismail Guzelkas,
  • Halime Nayir Buyuksahin,
  • Nagehan Emiralioğlu,
  • Deniz Dogru,
  • Ugur Ozcelik,
  • Nural Kiper
Omer Faruk Ipek
Hacettepe Universitesi Tip Fakultesi

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Ebru Yalcin (Guest Editor)
Hacettepe Universitesi Tip Fakultesi
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Özge Özen
Hacettepe Universitesi Tip Fakultesi
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Birce Sunman
Hacettepe Universitesi Tip Fakultesi
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Ismail Guzelkas
Hacettepe Universitesi Tip Fakultesi
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Halime Nayir Buyuksahin
Hacettepe Universitesi Tip Fakultesi
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Nagehan Emiralioğlu
Hacettepe Universitesi Tip Fakultesi
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Deniz Dogru
Hacettepe Universitesi Tip Fakultesi
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Ugur Ozcelik
Hacettepe Universitesi Tip Fakultesi
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Nural Kiper
Hacettepe Universitesi Tip Fakultesi
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Abstract

Introduction: The current literature lacks a comprehensive investigation into the use of flexible bronchoscopy (FB) in the treatment of childhood atelectasis. Methods: In this retrospective study, the data of pediatric patients who were diagnosed with atelectasis and underwent FB for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in our center from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2022 were retracted from medical records. The study aimed to assess the effectiveness of FB in diagnosing and treating atelectasis in children, identifying the appropriate patient population and the optimal timing for intervention. Results: A total of 108 children, with a median age of 4.9 years (14 days-18 years), underwent FB. At the time atelectasis was detected, at least one underlying disease was present in 62% of the patients. Based on the macroscopic and microscopic FB findings, 86.1% of the patients received a new diagnosis, and 83.3% of the patients were prescribed additional new treatments. At the last outpatient visit, complete resolution of the atelectasis was observed in 40.8% of patients, while 31.4% showed no resolution. The duration from the diagnosis of atelectasis to FB was shorter in patients with partial or complete resolution. Patients without additional radiological abnormalities or scoliosis had higher resolution rates, while those with congenital cardiac diseases, immunodeficiency, or primary ciliary dyskinesia had lower rates. Conclusion: Children with atelectasis who do not respond to conventional treatments within three weeks may undergo FB. Delayed FB contributes to failure in resolving atelectasis, prolonged recovery times, and increased recurrence rates, particularly in patients with underlying diseases.