Bronchoscopy in The Respiratory Intensive Care Unit: A 4-Year Review

Authors : Pervin Hancı, Berfin Karadaş, Ethem Yıldız, Erhan Tabakoglu

Pages : 982-989

Doi:10.20515/otd.1753340

View : 45 | Download : 64

Publication Date : 2025-09-26

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Bronchoscopy is a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in intensive care units (ICUs), but real-world data regarding its application and safety in critically ill patients remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the indications, findings, complications, and microbiological outcomes of bronchoscopy in an ICU setting. This retrospective study included 152 ICU patients who underwent 227 bronchoscopy procedures between July 2020 and November 2024. Demographic characteristics, procedural indications, oxygen support modalities, microbiological results, and complication rates were recorded. The median age of patients was 68 [IQR: 59–75] years, and 64.5% were male. Bronchoscopy was most frequently performed for the clearance of secretions and the treatment of atelectasis. Complete or partial resolution of atelectasis was achieved in 92.6% of such cases. Infectious pathogens were identified in 34.8% of all procedures. The most common complication was hypoxemia (12.8%), followed by arrhythmias (3.1%) and hemodynamic instability (1.8%). No serious adverse events were reported. No statistically significant difference in complication rates was observed between oxygen support groups. Bronchoscopy is a safe and effective tool for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in ICU patients when performed by experienced teams. Careful patient selection and appropriate oxygenation strategies are critical to minimise complications, especially hypoxemia.
Keywords : Bronkoskopi, Yoğun Bakım Ünitesi, Oksijen inhalasyon tedavisi

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