The history of introducing the fiberoptic bronchoscopy in Iraq

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy is considered the best means of evaluating the bronchial tree and the adjacent lung parenchyma. The wide range of indications of fiberoptic bronchoscopy in thoracic surgery makes it an indispensable component of the diagnostic and therapeutic armamentarium of the chest surgeon. Dr. Azhar K. Kassab (FRCS), a cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon is credited for introducing fiberoptic bronchoscopy in Iraq in 1976. The story of the very beginning and later spread of this technique in our country is described in this short communication.