Abstract
BackgroundRe-biopsy by bronchoscopy is an important part of treatment for patients with relapsed lung cancer; however, some patients refuse to undergo a re-examination due to discomfort during their first bronchoscopy. The aim of the present study was to determine factors causing discomfort during bronchoscopy and to identify the factors that affect patients’ reluctance to undergo repeat examinations via a questionnaire administered immediately after the initial bronchoscopy.Methods and findingsWe evaluated 283 patients who underwent bronchoscopy at Chiba University Hospital between September 2015 and March 2017. Following bronchoscopy, the patients answered a questionnaire regarding the procedure. We identified patient characteristics and factors related to bronchoscopy that were associated with patients’ reluctance to undergo re-examination.Two hundred nine patients were ultimately enrolled in the study. The factors affecting patient tolerance for re-examination were female sex (odds ratio [OR], 2.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43–5.53), discomfort during the examination (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.13–2.56), and unexpectedness of discomfort during the examination (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.19–2.81). Patients experienced discomfort most frequently owing to throat anesthesia (n = 50 [24%]).ConclusionsComfort during bronchoscopy is an important factor influencing patient tolerance for re-examination. Expectations of discomfort during bronchoscopy, as indicated by instructions provided before examination, and throat anesthesia are also important factors. Detailed explanations about bronchoscopy and improvement of the methods of throat anesthesia could decrease patient discomfort and may help decrease patients’ reluctance to undergo re-examinations.
Highlights
Repetitive biopsies have garnered considerable attention, as patients who undergo targeted molecular therapy for relapsing non-small-cell lung cancer often require follow-up biopsies
Expectations of discomfort during bronchoscopy, as indicated by instructions provided before examination, and throat anesthesia are important factors
Follow-up bronchoscopies may be required for patients using the novel cryo-transbronchial lung biopsy technique, which can provide important diagnostic indicators for interstitial lung diseases [1,2]
Summary
Repetitive biopsies have garnered considerable attention, as patients who undergo targeted molecular therapy for relapsing non-small-cell lung cancer often require follow-up biopsies. Lechtzin et al investigated the satisfaction of patients with bronchoscopy and their willingness to return for a repeat bronchoscopy [3]. They found that better health status, dislike of scope insertion, better ratings of information quality, and better ratings of physician quality were all associated with the willingness of the patient to repeat the procedure. Re-biopsy by bronchoscopy is an important part of treatment for patients with relapsed lung cancer; some patients refuse to undergo a re-examination due to discomfort during their first bronchoscopy. The aim of the present study was to determine factors causing discomfort during bronchoscopy and to identify the factors that affect patients’ reluctance to undergo repeat examinations via a questionnaire administered immediately after the initial bronchoscopy
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