Application of fibrobronchoscopy in the management of severe brain injury

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the application of fibrobronchoscopy in the management of severe brain injury with concurrent pulmonary infection. Methods Forty-three procedures of fibrobronchoscopic sputum clearance or bronchoalvelar lavage were performed in 26 patients with severe brain injury and concurrent pulmonary infection. The effect of fibrobronchoscopic treatment was assessed by observing the changes in the respiratory symptoms, arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) and partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) in these patients. Results The symptoms of the respiratory system, SaO2, and PaO2 of the 26 patients were significantly improved after fibrobronchoscopic treatment, which caused no serious complications. Conclusion Fibrobronchoscopy can be safely and effectively used in patients with severe brain injury complicated by pulmonary infection. Key words: Fibrobronchoscopy; Craniolcerebral trauma; Pulmonary infection