The FOB can also be utilized in both doctors' offices and intensive care units. Another advantage is that more physicians are skillful with flexible than with rigid bronchoscopy. This type of bronchoscopy is helpful in maintaining difficult airways due to poor neck mechanism, facial trauma, etc. It can be inserted via the nasal route which gives patients with oral limitations a chance for bronchoscopy. Generally, the flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope has a diameter of only 2.5 to 6.0 millimeters, which causes less discomfort for the patient.
Some disadvantages are present with rigid bronchoscopy.
Extreme neck extension is required for proper placement of the bronchoscope since it can only be passed through the mouth. If a patient has an unexpected motion or cough, severe tracheal or laryngeal damage can occur. In order to prevent as much movement and pain as possible, a patient must be given a general or local anesthesia. Rigid bronchoscopy is not an option for patients with certain physical disabilities that limit a widely open mouth or mobility of the neck. In addition, flexible bronchoscopy has some disadvantages.