Bronchial lavage in the treatment of obstructive lung disease.

Abstract

The results of bronchial lavage in 92 patients with obstructive lung disease are presented. Thirty patients were greatly improved after 1 or 2 lavages and have remained so for a period of up to 4 yrs. Twenty-seven other patients have remained significantly improved, but 35 were not unproved or showed only temporary improvement. In this group, 15 patients have died subsequently. Status asthmaticus remains the primary indication for bronchial lavage, and some of the best results were obtained in patients who were moribund.