Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy(FFB) has become a widely performed technique for diagnosing and managing pulmonary disease because of its low complication and mortality rate. Since the use of FFB in p atients with severely depressed cardiorespiratory function is increasing and hypoxemia during the FFB can induce significant cardiac arrhythmias, the early detection and adequate management of hypoxemia during FFB is clinically important.

To evaluate the necessity of the continuous monitoring of the oxygen saturation(SaO₂) during the FFB, the SaO₂ was continuously monitored from the finger tip using pulse oximetry before, during and after the FFB in 379 patiets. The patients were then divided into two groups, those with and without hypoxemia (SaO₂<90%). The baseline pulmonary function data and the clinical characteristics of the two groups were compared.

The mean baseline SaO₂ was 96.9±2.85%. An SaO₂<90% was recorded at some point in 62(16.4%) out of 379 patients, with 12 out of 62 experiencing this prior to the FFB, in 37 out of 62 during the FFB, and in 13 out of 62 after the FFB. No differences were observed in the smoking and sex distribution between those with and without hypoxemia. The mean age was older in those with hypoxemia than those without. Significant differences were observed in the mean baseline SaO₂ and the mean time for the procedure between the two groups. The FEV₁ was significantly lower in those with hypoxemia, and both the FVC and FEV₁/FVC also tended to decrease in this group. Managing hypoxemia included deep breathing in 20 patients, a supplemental oxygen supply in 39 patients, and the abortion of the procedure in 3 patients.

These results suggest that the continuous monitoring of th oxygen saturation is necessary during fiberoptic bronchoscopy, and it should be performed in patients with a depressed pulmonay function in order for the early detection and adequate management of hypoxemia.