Experience with flexible bronchoscopy for noncoronavirus disease of 2019 indications in pediatric patients during the coronavirus disease of 2019 pandemic

Background and Aim Flexible bronchoscopy (FB) poses a risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) transmission due to aerosol generation. This study aimed to assess the utilization, indications, outcomes, and safety of FB in pediatric patients for noncoronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID‐19) reasons during the pandemic. Materials and Methods We retrospectively analyzed pediatric patients who underwent FB for non‐COVID‐19 indications at a tertiary children's hospital's pulmonary clinic during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Patients showed no COVID‐19 symptoms and tested negative for SARS‐CoV‐2 by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of nasopharyngeal and throat swabs within 24 h before the procedure. FBs were conducted in the operating room, with healthcare professionals (HCPs) wearing personal protective equipment, including medical N95 masks, gloves, gowns, and eye protection. Results Between March 2020 and April 2022, 167 pediatric patients underwent FB for non‐COVID‐19 indications. Common indications included foreign body aspiration (22.7%), stridor (10.1%), and atelectasis (8.9%). No COVID‐19 symptoms were observed in patients on the 1st and 10th days post‐FB. During the 1‐month follow‐up, 52 patients underwent SARSCoV‐2 PCR testing, and one patient tested positive in the third week after the procedure. None of the HCPs in the FB team experienced COVID‐19 symptoms or tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2. Conclusion A bronchoscopy protocol with safety precautions minimized the risk of COVID‐19 transmission, allowing safe FB performance for non‐COVID‐19 indications in pediatric patients during the pandemic. The experience gained in FB during COVID‐19 is valuable for similar situations in the future.