In order to standardize Japanese bronchoscopy, the results of the most recent national survey performed in 2007 by the Japan Society for Respiratory Endoscopy (JSRE) were reviewed to evaluate bronchoscopic practice between January 1st and December 31st, 2006. The questionnaire response rate was 71.3%. The total number of bronchoscopies performed was reported as 74,470. At least three physicians always attended with 2/3 of responding hospitals during bronchoscopy. Many physicians performed bronchoscopy under topical anesthesia without sedation. An oral route was preferred by many bronchoscopists. Low morbidity and mortality rates were reported. Attendance by many physicians probably leads to this low mortality rate. Conclusion: Japanese bronchoscopy for diagnosis is safely performed nationwide. Therapeutic procedures do not appear to be practiced widely or frequently; however, low mortality and morbidity rates were reported.
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