Bronchoscopy Risks: 6 Complications Patients Should Know
- Bleeding – usually self-limited; higher with biopsy/transbronchial needle aspiration.
- Infection – pneumonia, bronchitis (1–3%); prophylaxis not routine.
- Airway injury – laceration, perforation, bronchospasm.
- Arrhythmia – hypoxia, vagal stimulation, or lidocaine toxicity.
- Pneumothorax – rare (<1%) with transbronchial biopsy; tension possible.
- Aspiration – gastric contents if NPO not observed.
Pre-procedure: NPO 6 hrs, INR/platelets checked, informed consent. Monitoring: SpO₂, ECG, BP throughout. Post-procedure: observe 1–2 hrs, chest X-ray if biopsy performed.
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