Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Developing countries have to bear burden of both communicable and noncommunicable diseases simultaneously. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a saline wash of the bronchial tree introduced in 1970. It is an investigative technique. Transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) via flexible bronchoscopy is commonly used to diagnose a wide range of pulmonary diseases. Hence; under the light of above mentioned data, the present study was undertaken for comparing the results of bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy. Materials & methods: All the specimens of bronchoalveolar lavage submitted for cytological examination and all the specimens of transbronchial lung biopsy submitted for histopathological examination were included in the study. All the specimens of bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial lung biopsy (obtained via rigid or flexible bronchoscopy) received in the department of Pathology were enrolled. The BAL fluid was collected in containers that didn’t promoted cell adherence to container surfaces. Transbronchial specimens received were fixed in 10% buffered formalin. After fixation the specimen were subjected to gross examination for size and external appearance. Multiple pieces taken and they were processed. H and E staining of the sections were done. All the results were recorded in Microsoft excel sheet and were analysed by SPSS software. Results: Sensitivity of BAL for diagnosing malignant and non-malignant lesions was 68.6% and 84.3% respectively. Conclusion: The combination of these two methods gives not only a quantitative, but also a qualitative increase in the diagnostic yield of bronchoscopy