[Manipulation, premedication, and chemoprophylaxis for fiberoptic bronchoscopy]

Manipulation, premedication, and chemoprophylaxis for fiberoptic bronchoscopy vary among institutions. We analyzed the actual conditions by means of a questionnaire distributed to 29 institutions. With regard to premedication, a combination of atropine sulfate and sedatives, such as hydroxyzine hydrochloride, was the most common method. In cases with heart disease and elderly subjects, a lower dosage or omission of atropine was common. In cases with marked anxiety, narcotics were prescribed. Bronchofiberscopic examination was performed under local anesthesia at all institutions. Lidocaine 4% was used for anesthesia of the orolarynx, and 2% was used for the tracheobronchus. For prophylaxis of infection, 19 of 29 institutions prescribed antibiotics routinely or under certain circumstances. ECG was used in 14 institutions, and percutaneous oxygen monitoring in 5 institutions. It is concluded that the manipulation and premedication for fiberoptic bronchoscopy vary between institutions. It is necessary to determine more efficacious and safer methods for fiberoptic bronchoscopy.