A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF PEDIATRIC CASES UNDERGOING FIBEROPTIC BRONCHOSCOPY UNDER GENERAL ANESTHESIA: A FIVE-YEAR EXPERIENCE AT A SINGLE CENTER

Abstract

The use of the laryngeal mask (LMA) during flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) is more advantageous compared to other airway devices. In this study, the use of LMA for airway maintenance in FOB in pediatric patients was planned to be reviewed in the light of the literature by evaluating the postoperative complications encountered with the demographics of the patients, the duration of anesthesia, and bronchoscopic diagnoses. Between January 2017 and January 2022, the files of pediatric patients who underwent FOB were reviewed retrospectively. The patients' demographics, the airway device used for airway maintenance in FOB (LMA, endotracheal tube, tracheal tube), bronchoscopy indications, bronchoscopic diagnoses, duration of anesthesia, post-procedure hypoxia, laryngospasm, and the number of patients requiring bronchospasm were all recorded. The study included 162 pediatric patients ranging in age from 0 to 17. The median age was 6.9 years old (interquartile range 0-17 years old), and the median weight was 24.5 kg (interquartile range 2.5-89). The patient group having thoracic CT abnormalities and requiring an operation to support the diagnosis was the most prevalent FOB indication (n=37, 22.8%). In all, 28 patients (17.3%) experienced temporary hypoxia, whereas 62 patients (38.3%) experienced bronchospasm. In pediatric patients, FOB via LMA is a safe method. Appropriate equipment, experienced personnel, good patient selection, and adequate follow-up of the patient after bronchoscopy are among the most important factors in the prevention and reduction of complications.