Deaths Associated with Flexible Bronchoscopy

Hazards of lung biopsy in asbestos workers.

“…Several techniques for lung biopsy have been used in the past decades. Several studies69 [12][13][14][15][16][17] have summarised experiences with different techniques; the results varied according to the method of biopsy, experience of the surgeon, and the relative incidence of diffuse interstitial fibrosis among patients.…”

Bronchoscopy: Indications and Technique

“…Cardiac arrhythmias associated with premedication or the administration of anesthetics are the major causes of death associated with FFB. 31 Asthmatic patients are at risk for the development of intense bronchospasm. Preoperative preparation of the patient with intravenous bronchodilators and corticosteroids, if necessary, usually makes it possible to perform the examination safely.…”

Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy as an Outpatient Procedure

“…In one such article that included 12 deaths and 45 life-threatening com¬ plications, the adverse effects were the result of a combination of poorly selected elderly patients with severe coronary artery disease and chronic obstruc¬ tive lung disease, who received morphine therapy, general anesthetics, and other premedication.4 Death in the majority of these moribund cases was attributable to cardiac or respiratory arrest caused by the drug administration. 11 In light of these observations, proper selection of patients suitable for flexible FOB on an outpatient basis becomes an important prerequisite. Patients older than the age of 60 years, those with poor pulmonary or cardiac reserve, and those with diffuse infiltrative lung disease requiring transbronchial lung biopsies should best be excluded.…”