Bronchoscopy report: format and filing, images and exam correlation.

In the endoscopy practice it is of the utmost im-portance that both medical reports and the details ofthe procedure performed are meticulously recordedfor each and every patient. Pathological reportsshould be detailed whereas standard reports shouldbe of a more general nature and should include theprocedure carried out in order to obtain the sampleas well as any other complications.The final report must include the followingpoints:– Information of the medical team involved inthe treatment of the patient.– Information of any follow-up bronchoscopies.– Documentation for quality control purposes.– Planning of subsequent diagnostic interven-tions or treatments.– Information of scientific interest.The flexible bronchoscopy report is one of thetools permitting exchange of medical informationin respiratory medicine and is an integral part ofthe medical record. Currently, there is no consen-sus on its content, and consequently, there are norecommendations. Recently a survey was carriedout involving experts which showed that there areas many areas of divergence among physicians [1].For more accurate information in the endo-scopic field photographic images and videorecordings are frequently consulted. New comput-erised technology has made the inclusion of multi-media information much easier and has signifi-cantly simplified the preparation, standardisationand electronic compilation of the bronchoscopicreport. This document has the aim to harmonisethe writing of bronchoscopy reports, to provide atool consensual and complete, and valid from themedico-legal viewpoint.