Bronchoscopy is a technique easily mastered by the anaesthetist. It can at times be life-saving and at other times reduce postoperative morbidity. The necessary apparatus is simple and can be part of the equipment of any anaesthetic department Diagnostic bronchoscopy belongs to the field of the thoracic surgeon and the otolaryngologist, but by perfecting themselves in the technique of “toilet bronchoscopy” anaesthetists can offer their patients greater protection and safer anaesthesia.