Abstract

Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) is widely used in chest diseases and tuberculosis clinics. We have recently investigated the predicting factors on the changes in saturation during FOB in a prospective study. Fourtyfour patients (33 male, 11 female, mean age: 51±17 years) who did not require oxygen treatment before FOB were included. Bronchoscopies were performed transnasally and low-to-moderate doses of IM midazolam and atropine were used as premedication in patients. Oxygen saturation was monitored during the procedure with pulse oximetry (PO) (Palco laboratories, Inc., model 305, USA) and arterial blood gases were measured before and after FOB. None of the patients required oxygen treatment during procedure. No difference in saturation values was found between arterial blood gases and PO analysis both before and after FOB. Saturation values were significantly decreased after FOB (from 96.5±1.0% to 91.6±3.6%, p<0.001) and desaturation (SaO2<90%) was detected in 22 (50%) of the patients during procedure. In linear regression analysis for predicting the lowest saturation values (model r: 0.68, p=0.008), the duration of FOB (p=0.008) was found to be the only independent variable. However, no association was found with other variables.

In conclusion, monitoring of saturation with PO during FOB is a noninvasive and reliable method. The patients with longer duration of FOB might need to supplemental oxygen treatment.