Role of bronchoscopy in massive hemoptysis

Bronchoscopy plays an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of mass ive hemoptysis. In this article, we review the definition, causes, natural history, and treatment of massive hemoptysis with special emphasis on the r ole of flexible bronchoscopy in the management of this challenging medical problem. We discuss the various therapies for massive hemoptysis that are a dministered through the flexible bronchoscope. Nonbronchoscopic therapies a re also briefly overviewed.