Nasal Probe Tests Decreased the Procedure Time During Flexible Bronchoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background: Nasal insertion is the preferred method in flexible bronchoscopy; however, the relatively narrow nasal cavity increases the difficulty of bronchoscope insertion. The aim of the study was to investigate the advantages of a prior nasal cavity probe during flexible bronchoscopy and to investigate whether this novel method could reduce the complications associated with flexible bronchoscopy.Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary hospital between May 2020 and October 2020. Three hundred patients requiring diagnosis and treatment using flexible bronchoscopy were randomly allocated to three groups: a control group, a simple cotton bud detection group (CD group), and an adrenaline detection group (AD group). The outcomes were the time to pass the glottis, the first-pass intubation success rate, and postoperative complications, especially nasal bleeding.Results: In total, 189 men and 111 women were enrolled in the study, with a mean age of 55.69 ± 12.86 years. The operation time was longer in the control group (24 [14.25-45.75] s) than in the CD group (19.5 [12.25-32.75] s). Compared with that in the CD group, the first-pass intubation success rate was significantly lower in the control group (p<0.05). There was no difference in nasal bleeding between the control group and the CD group (p=0.506). Nasal bleeding after flexible bronchoscopy was more common in the CD group than in the AD group (p=0.005); however, there was no significant between-group difference in hemostatic use (p=0.245). Conclusions: Use of a prior nasal cavity probe during flexible bronchoscopy can significantly reduce the time to pass the nasal cavity, improve the first-pass intubation success rate, and reduce postoperative nasal bleeding. Nasal detection is recommended as a time-saving procedure for patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy. Trial registration: ChiCTR2000032668, 6th May.2020.