Department of Pulmonology, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Türkiye
Abstract
Background: Our objective was to review the bronchoscopy procedures conducted at our hospital during the pandemic, with a focus on the potential risks of COVID-19 transmission associated with these interventions. Materials and Methods: This comprehensive study included all patients who underwent bronchoscopy in the Department of Pulmonology at Akdeniz University from March 15 to December 31, 2020. A retrospective review of medical records covered demographic information, procedure indications, urgency, procedure type, diagnostic results, and the patient's COVID-19 history. Data collection also recorded the number of personnel involved in bronchoscopy during the pandemic, along with their COVID-19 history. Results: A total of 250 bronchoscopy procedures were performed during the study period. The majority of patients were male (74.8%), with a mean age of 58 ± 13.5 years. The most common indication for bronchoscopy was lung cancer (39.2%), followed by other causes like interstitial lung diseases and sarcoidosis. No patients with a positive pre-procedural COVID-19 PCR test were included in the procedure. All patients who underwent the procedure had a negative PCR test result. No post-procedural COVID-19 cases were observed among healthcare workers or patients following the procedures. All procedures were conducted with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing was performed on 76.8% of patients before the procedure. No complications, other than minor hemorrhages, were reported. Conclusion: Bronchoscopy performed with appropriate PPE, in a negative pressure room, and with pre-procedural SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing, is a safe and effective diagnostic and therapeutic procedure during the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety protocols implemented in this study successfully minimized the risk of COVID-19 transmission to healthcare workers and patients.
Uzer,F. , Topcu,E. , Ozbudak,O. and Cilli,A. (2025). Bronchoscopy Procedures Implemented During the Pandemic Period in a University Hospital. TANAFFOS (Respiration), 24(2), 136-140.
MLA
Uzer,F. , , Topcu,E. , , Ozbudak,O. , and Cilli,A. . "Bronchoscopy Procedures Implemented During the Pandemic Period in a University Hospital", TANAFFOS (Respiration), 24, 2, 2025, 136-140.
HARVARD
Uzer F., Topcu E., Ozbudak O., Cilli A. (2025). 'Bronchoscopy Procedures Implemented During the Pandemic Period in a University Hospital', TANAFFOS (Respiration), 24(2), pp. 136-140.
CHICAGO
F. Uzer, E. Topcu, O. Ozbudak and A. Cilli, "Bronchoscopy Procedures Implemented During the Pandemic Period in a University Hospital," TANAFFOS (Respiration), 24 2 (2025): 136-140,
VANCOUVER
Uzer F., Topcu E., Ozbudak O., Cilli A. Bronchoscopy Procedures Implemented During the Pandemic Period in a University Hospital. TANAFFOS (Respiration), 2025; 24(2): 136-140.
