[Anesthesiologic problems in endoscopic interventions of the respiratory organs]

In 28 patients--16 normotensive and 12 hypertensive patients--anaesthetized with hexobarbitone, halothane, nitrous oxide/oxygen and intermittent doses of suxamethonium we examined the influence of diagnostic bronchoscopy on arterial blood pressure, heart frequency, rate pressure product as well as acid-base balance and arterial oxygen partial pressure. Both groups of patients showed a remarkable and highly significant increase in these hemodynamic parameters during intubation, extubation and bronchial lavage. Clinically relevant changes of acid-base balance and arterial oxygen partial pressure which could be responsible for these hemodynamic reactions did not occur. Sympathicotonic reflexes caused by the bronchoscopy are considered to be the main causes for the increase in blood pressure, heart frequency and rate pressure product. They can only be prevented by a sufficient narcosis depth.