Topical Anesthesia and Sedation Agents Appropriate for Flexible Bronchoscopy

Topical anesthesia, analgesic and sedative agents should be used for flexible bronchoscopy in adults, according to a statement from the American College of Chest Physicians published in Chest.

The use of topical anesthesia, analgesia and sedation during bronchoscopy currently varies based on physician preference. The ACCP recommends the following for bronchoscopy patients:

• All patients undergoing bronchoscopy should receive topical anesthesia, analgesia or sedation unless there are contraindications
• The extent of sedation (minimal, moderate, deep or general anesthesia) should be based on the location where bronchoscopy is performed and the complexity and duration of the procedure
• Topical anesthesia before and during bronchoscopy reduces cough and needed dose of sedation
• Use of anticholinergic agents before bronchoscopy is discouraged because data suggests they do not provide a clinically meaningful effect

Related Articles on Anesthesia:
Anesthesiologist Compensation and Reimbursement in 2011: 10 Recent Findings
Iowa Court Prevents ARNPs From Directly Supervising Fluoroscopy
ASA Clarifies Changes to Anesthesia Claims Under 5010 Transaction Code Set

© Copyright ASC COMMUNICATIONS 2012. Interested in LINKING to or REPRINTING this content? View our policies by clicking here.