RESUMO
Pulse oximetry during fiberoptic bronchoscopy in local anaesthesia was performed in 81 patients (52 male, 29 female), median age 60 years (range 25-80); 18 had impaired lung function with FEV1 less than 50%. Premedication consisted of atropine, diazepam and midazolam. The arterial haemoglobin oxygenation (SaO2) was registered continuously. Supplementary oxygen in doses of 2 1/min was administered to 41 patients (group 1), while 40 patients were examined without oxygen (group 2). The two groups were comparable as regards sex, age and lung function. Mean values of SaO2 during bronchoscopy were higher in group 1 (median 96%) than in group 2 (92%) (p less than 0.001). Minimum values of SaO2 were similarly higher in group 1 (median 93%) than in group 2 (87%) (p less than 0.001). The percentage numbers of patients experiencing hypoxaemic episodes with SaO2 less than or equal to 90% and SaO2 less than or equal to 85% were 34% and 5% in group 1 compared to 80% and 35% in group 2, respectively (p less than 0.01). The decrease in SaO2 and the frequency of hypoxaemic episodes were highest in patients with impaired lung function. Supplementary oxygen in doses of 2-3 1/min and pulse oximetry are recommended as routine procedures during fiberoptic bronchoscopy in local anaesthesia.