Chang Gung medical journal
-
Conscious sedation for patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy (FB) is suggested to alleviate discomfort and improve satisfaction despite controversy regarding its benefits. In Taiwan, the general FB practice involves local anesthesia only. This study aimed to assess the benefits and risks of conscious sedation in diagnostic FB. ⋯ Conscious sedation with clinically judged midazolam and alfentanil reduces discomforts, improves satisfaction, and carries slight, but manageable, hypoxemia risks in patients undergoing FB.