TRACHEOBRONCHOGRAPHY IN CHILDREN

Tracheobronchography (TBG) can provide anatomic information supplement ing endoscopy in evaluating complex congenital and acquired tracheal a bnormalities, With the use of modern non-ionic contrast agents and fle xible fiberoptic bronchoscopes, TBG can be performed safely and comfor tably in children, As some tracheal lesions have a significant risk of mortality, obtaining maximum definition of the abnormality is imperat ive prior to attempting surgical management. Twenty-two patients under went TBG at St, Christopher's Hospital for Children (Philadelphia) fro m July 1990 through June 1995. With the use of iohexol as a contrast a gent, flexible bronchoscopes and adequate sedation and analgesia, with out the need for intubation or general anesthesia, there were no signi ficant complications or discomfort during or after the procedure. Tech niques and illustrative radiographs are presented. TBG provides a usef ul adjunct to endoscopy.