Factors related to oxygen desaturation during flexible bronchoscopy and endobronchial ultrasound

Introduction Oxygen desaturation is a significant event during bronchoscopy. In this study, it was aimed to identify factors related to oxygen desaturation during flexible bronchoscopy (FB) and Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS). Materials and Methods From 16 April 2019 to 14 February 2020, 196 consecutive patients (146 FB and 50 EBUS) undergoing bronchoscopy were evaluated retrospectively. The patients' oxygen saturations were monitored on admission and during the procedure by finger pulse oximetry. Desaturation was defined as saturation below 90%. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, types of interventions, vitals before and during the procedure, amount of saturation decline, and sedative agents used were recorded. The data obtained were compared between the desaturated and non-desaturated groups in both FB and EBUS. We evaluated the risk factors for desaturation during bronchoscopic procedures. Result The mean age of those who underwent FB was higher (62 [52-68] years vs. 55 [44-65] years, p= 0.05), and males were more frequent (54%, vs 19.2%, p