Flexible Bronchoscopy: Importance of Standardization of Practice for the Best Route of Insertion.

The practice of flexible bronchoscopy is not standardized across geographical areas, institutions, and even individual clinicians. Route of insertion of the bronchoscope (nasal, oral, or via ETT) is one aspect of this lack of standardization. We have attempted to present the history of the origin of the routes of insertion, why they are practiced the way they are practiced today, and merits and demerits of each, with the emphasis on the importance of standardizing the route of insertion of the flexible bronchoscope for its attendant benefits.