Clinical research of distal bronchoalveolar lavage with plastic tubing and common bronchoalveolar lavage

Objective To assess whether distal bronchoalveolar lavage(DBAL) with plastic tubing allowed recovery of more fluid in comparison with common bronchoalveolar lavage(CBAL), and whether tubing had a favorable impact on operative procedure and complications. Methods A randomized study was performed in the hospital. Patients scheduled for BAL were randomly assigned to DBAL (n = 66) and CBAL (n = 56) group. Results In DBAL group,5.55% more fluid was recovered,9. 19% fewer technical failures,and 7.41% fewer complications were recorded. Conclusions Based on these results, we recommend performing DBAL using plastic tubing to replace CBAL. Key words: Bronchoalveolar lavage;  Methods;  Distal bronchoalveolar lavage; Common bronchoalveolar lavage