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Updated: May 18, 2026

Systematic Bronchoscopy: the Four Landmarks Approach
Published on: June 23, 2023
Flexible bronchoscopy may decrease respiratory muscle strength: premedicational midazolam in focus
Baykal Tulek1, Fikret Kanat, Sule Tol
1Selcuk University, Selcuklu Faculty of Medicine, Department of Chest Diseases, Selçuklu, 42075, Konya, Turkey. baykaltulek@yahoo.com.
Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) can cause temporary respiratory muscle weakness, particularly with higher doses of midazolam sedation. This weakness may contribute to hypoventilation in vulnerable patients post-procedure.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Anesthesiology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is generally safe with low complication rates.
- Patients with respiratory failure may experience hypoventilation after FB.
- This study investigates FB's impact on respiratory muscle strength.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effect of flexible bronchoscopy on respiratory muscle strength.
- To determine the influence of midazolam sedation on post-procedure respiratory muscle function.
Main Methods:
- 140 patients (25-90 years) undergoing diagnostic FB were studied.
- Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) were measured pre- and post-procedure.
- Correlations between pressure changes, patient characteristics, and FB variables were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Significant decreases in MIP and MEP were observed post-FB (p < 0.001).
- Decreases were linked to midazolam sedation.
- Higher midazolam doses correlated with greater reductions in respiratory muscle strength.
Conclusions:
- Flexible bronchoscopy can lead to post-procedure respiratory muscle weakness.
- Midazolam premedication is a key factor in this weakness.
- Respiratory muscle weakness may contribute to hypoventilation in critical patients undergoing FB.
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