Safety of geriatric patients undergoing endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration with deep sedation: a retrospective study

Abstract Background Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) can be performed in a wide range, from minimal sedation to general anesthesia. Advanced age increases perioperative risks related to anesthesia and is also associated with many pathological processes that further increase morbidity and mortality. The ideal sedation protocol for EBUS-TBNA has yet to be determined in geriatric patients. Deep sedation (DS) may increase the safety and performance of the procedure. There are limited studies evaluating the effectiveness and safety of EBUS-TBNA under DS in elderly patients. Methods 280 patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA under DS were included in this retrospective study. 156 patients aged 65 years and over (Group 1) and 124 patients under 45 (Group 2) were compared. Demographic data, comorbidities, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), hemodynamic measurements, and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) before the procedure were evaluated. In addition, the duration of the EBUS-TBNA procedure, sedation agents and dosages, recovery time, and complications related to the procedure in the 24 h and applied medications and treatments were recorded. Results There was no difference in body mass index, EBUS-TBNA procedure duration, and recovery time between geriatric and young patients(p > 0.05). The proportion of female patients, pre-anesthesia SpO2, and PFTs were found to be significantly lower in geriatric patients(p