Recent Advances in Bronchography

¹ Assistant Chief, Surgical Services and Chief, Thoracic Surgical Division.
² Chief, Broncho-Esophagology Division and Assistant Chief, Thoracic Surgical Division.

1. Since all bronchographic media remaining in the alveoli may produce foreign body reaction, it is recommended that a technique of bronchography and a type of bronchographic medium be used in which alveolar filling is not seen. There is less alveolar retention after Visciodol than after other bronchographic media.

2. The technique of selective bronchography using the Metras catheters is of value when there is insufficient outlining of a particular segment during a previous bronchographic examination. Routine bronchography in selected cases using an appropriate Metras catheter prevents the necessity of repeated bronchograms.

3. A method for correlating bronchiographic defects with their [See FIGURE 17A, FIGURE 17B in source pdf] histological appearance has been described. We believe that this study will increase our knowledge of the significance of these defects.

4. A roentgenogram made 24 hours after bronchography should become a part of the routine bronchographic procedure so that our attention can be directed to less obviously involved areas of bronchial disease. Roentgenologists should be encouraged to include this in the total cost of the bronchogram.

5. Bronchography using Visciodol has made possible a more detailed study of bronchial defects. Bronchographic findings in acute as well as various stages of chronic bronchitis are described. In order to give proper treatment to patients with acute or chronic bronchitis, these less obvious lesions must be recognized on bronchography.