High-Flow Nasal Cannula Versus Conventional Oxygen Therapy During Bronchoscopy: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND

Hypoxemia is a frequent complication during bronchoscopy, and optimal oxygenation strategies remain clinically important. Previous evidence suggests that high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) may outperform conventional oxygen therapy (COT).

METHODS

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted by searching PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for studies comparing HFNC with COT in adult patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy. Outcomes included the incidence of hypoxemia, lowest SpO2, procedure duration, patient comfort, and sedation dose. Pooled data were analyzed using a random-effects model, with results reported as risk ratios (RR), mean differences (MD), or standardized mean differences (SMD), as appropriate. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran Q test and I2 statistic.

RESULTS

Fourteen RCTs (n=2480) were included: 1263 patients (50.9%) received HFNC. HFNC significantly reduced the risk of hypoxemia (RR, 0.41; 95% CI: 0.29-0.59; P<0.0001) and increased minimum SpO2 (MD, +5.10 percentage points; 95% CI: 3.30-6.91; P<0.0001). There was no significant difference in patient comfort (SMD, -0.07; 95% CI: -0.25 to 0.11; P=0.46) and procedure time (MD, -0.73 min; 95% CI: -1.73 to 0.27; P=0.154). Sedation requirements were slightly higher in the HFNC group (SMD, 0.17; 95% CI: 0.04-0.29; P=0.008).

CONCLUSION

HFNC significantly reduces hypoxemic events and improves oxygenation compared with COT during bronchoscopy. Although anesthetic use slightly increased, there was no difference in procedure time or patient comfort.