Arterial oxygen saturation during bronchography via the fibreoptic bronchoscope.

Bronchography is indicated in the investigation of recurrent or chronic respiratory infection and haemoptysis,1 and is used to assess the extent and location of suspected or known bronchiectasis.2Use of the fibreoptic bronchoscope to intro- duce contrast medium has the advantages over the con- ventional nasotracheal catheter of allowing inspection of the airways for any occluding lesion and collection of microbiological specimens or cilia from specific bronchi.Con- tinuous monitoring of arterial oxygen saturation (Sao2) in patients during bronchoscopy has shown that they may be at risk of desaturation.3Furthermore, conventional bilateral bronchography via a nasotracheal catheter may cause falls in Sao2 of up to 15%.4The aim of this study was to measure Sao2 during bilateral bronchography performed via the fibreoptic bronchoscope. MethodsWe studied eight patients undergoing bilateral bron- chography.Their mean age was 43 years; three were female.Premedication with 0-6 mg atropine was given one hour before the procedure, and local anaesthesia was achieved