BACKGROUND: Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is an essential diagnostic tool for infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and non-infectious conditions, including lung cancer, allowing direct visualization of the airways and tissue sampling. Given the high morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases, a comprehensive analysis of bronchoscopy utilization, safety, and diagnostic yield in Ethiopia is crucial. This study evaluated the indications, diagnostic efficacy, and safety of bronchoscopy over a two-year period.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis of electronic medical records, bronchoscopy procedural reports, and pathology and microbiology results from Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital was conducted. Data on demographics, smoking history, platelet count, coagulation profile, indications for the procedure, bronchoscopic interventions, and safety outcomes were collected. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 after ensuring completeness and consistency.

RESULTS: Of the 227 bronchoscopies performed, 205 records were reviewed. The mean patient age was 43.6 years. Most patients were male (52.2%), and 83.9% were aged 18–65 years. The most common indications for bronchoscopy were suspected malignancy (45.9%), tuberculosis (28.3%), and airway inspection (13.7%). The overall diagnostic yield was 75.6%. The diagnostic yield for Tuberculosis  and lung cancer were 41.4% and 51.1% respectively. Adenocarcinoma was the most common lung cancer subtype (43.3%). Complications occurred in 6.8% of cases, with minor bleeding, hypertension, and pneumothorax reported rarely.

CONCLUSION: Fiberoptic bronchoscopy at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital is a safe and effective procedure with a high diagnostic yield, particularly for malignancy and tuberculosis. Although rare, pneumothorax may occur following blind transbronchial biopsy.

KEYWORDS: Bronchoscopy, usage, safety, diagnostic yield, Tikur Anbessa