Oxygen saturation after bronchography under general anaesthesia

Thirty-six patients undergoing bronchography or bronchoscopy under general anaesthesia were continuously monitored by pulse oximetry for 5 hours after these procedures. Significant falls in oxygen saturation were observed in the first hour and were of most clinical relevance in patients with preexisting pulmonary dysfunction who underwent bronchography. These results support the recommendation that supplementary oxygen should be provided for all patients undergoing this investigation.