NPO Guidelines Before Bronchoscopy

Evidence-Based Fasting Recommendations

The British Thoracic Society recommends that patients should have no solid food for 4 hours and may have clear fluids up to 2 hours before bronchoscopy 1
The British Thoracic Society provides guidance on preoperative fasting for bronchoscopy, recommending nothing by mouth for 4 hours before the procedure for solid food, and permitting clear fluids up to 2 hours before bronchoscopy 1

The British Thoracic Society recommends establishing intravenous access before bronchoscopy begins, and maintaining it through the recovery period, as well as continuous pulse oximetry monitoring during the procedure, and oxygen supplementation to achieve oxygen saturation ≥90% 1
Intravenous access should be established before bronchoscopy begins, and maintained through the recovery period, according to the British Thoracic Society 1
Continuous pulse oximetry monitoring is mandatory during the procedure, as recommended by the British Thoracic Society 1
Oxygen supplementation should achieve oxygen saturation ≥90% to reduce arrhythmia risk, as recommended by the British Thoracic Society 1

Patients with elevated baseline CO₂ should avoid sedation, as this can precipitate respiratory failure, according to Praxis Medical Insights 2
Patients with severe hypoxemia (SaO₂ <93%) require close monitoring and oxygen supplementation, as recommended by Praxis Medical Insights 2