OXYGEN DESATURATION DURING FIBREOPTIC BRONCHOSCOPY IN THE PULMONOLOGY UNIT OF AYUB TEACHING HOSPITAL, ABBOTTABAD

Authors

  • Mohammad Yasin Ayub Medical College Abbottabad
  • Usman Ghani
  • Nazia Jehanzeb
  • Ali Shan
  • Sanaullah Tareen
  • Faheem Jan

Abstract

Background: Fibreoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) was first introduced in 1966 by Shigeto Ikeda. FOB is a procedure that allows a physician to examine the breathing passages (airways) of the lungs. FOB is used by respiratory physicians for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Introduction of a bronchoscope into an individual for any procedure may cause hypoxemia, as measured by pulse oximetry, as a drop in oxygen saturation (SpO2). If acute and severe, this may result in dangerous arrhythmias. The objective was to determine the frequency of oxygen desaturation among patients undergoing FOB. Methods: The descriptive case series study was carried out in the Department of Pulmonology, Ayub Teaching Hospital, Abbottabad, from August 2022 to January 2023. The study population included all patients of both genders aged 16–80 years undergoing FOB. Patients with a history of recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina, dysrhythmias, and patients with respiratory failure, peripheral vascular disease, shock, and heart failure were excluded. Results: Mean age of the patients was 50.65(±15.926) years, ranging from 16 to 80 years. Mean SpO2 before bronchoscopy was 96.8918(±1.24630) %, ranging from 94% to 100%, during bronchoscopy was 92.773(±3.9145) %, ranging from 86% to 96%, and after bronchoscopy was 96.727(±1.5779) %, ranging from 93% to 100%. Desaturation of oxygen was observed in 50(51.5%) participants. Conclusion: Oxygen desaturation happens in a significant number of patients during FOB. Close monitoring of SpO2 is recommended, especially in patients with a lower normal level of SpO2 during FOB.

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Published

2026-08-24

How to Cite

1.
Yasin M, Usman Ghani, Nazia Jehanzeb, Ali Shan, Sanaullah Tareen, Faheem Jan. OXYGEN DESATURATION DURING FIBREOPTIC BRONCHOSCOPY IN THE PULMONOLOGY UNIT OF AYUB TEACHING HOSPITAL, ABBOTTABAD. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad [Internet]. 2026 Aug. 24 [cited 2026 Sep. 9];38(1):54-7. Available from: https://www.jamc.ayubmed.edu.pk/index.php/jamc/article/view/12674

Issue

Vol. 38 No. 1 (2026): Journal of Ayub Medical College Abbottabad

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammad Yasin, Usman Ghani, Nazia Jehanzeb, Ali Shan, Sanaullah Tareen, Faheem Jan

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