OBJECTIVETo establish the technical specifications of transbronchoscope whole lung lavage (TBWLL) and to compare the clinical efficacy between TBWLL and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) or whole lung lavage (WLL).

METHODSA total of 133 patients with pneumoconiosis admitted to Hunan Prevention and Treatment Institute for Occupational Diseases from 2009 to 2014 were divided into TBWLL group (n=43), BAL group (n=45), and WLL group (n=45). Patients in the TBWLL group received conventional BAL of both lungs under a fiber bronchoscope, as well as sedation and anesthesia; lavage was performed twice in each course. TBWLL was compared with the BAL and WLL in terms of lavage volume. The clinical symptoms, pulmonary function, and blood gas before and after treatment and the safety were evaluated.

RESULTSThe TBWLL group had significantly relieved cough and limitation of activity after lavage (P<0.05). Compared with the BAL group, the TBWLL group had significantly increased single lavage volumes and total lavage volume and a significantly shortened length of hospital stay (P<0.05). The three groups showed no significant short-term changes in clinical symptoms and pulmonary function after lavage. The TBWLL and WLL groups had a significantly lower incidence of postoperative complications than the BAL group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONTBWLL has good clinical efficacy, with the advantages of BAL and WLL, and is highly feasible, safe, and effective.