LAUSR

Abstract Background and aims Flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy is used to diagnose diseases of the tracheobronchial tree and to obtain samples. Methods used for awake flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) to anaesthetize the airway include local anaesthetic nebulization, gargles, lozenges, sprays, and airway blocks. The aim is to compare the effect of fentanyl and dexmedetomidine nebulization as an adjuvant to lignocaine during awake FFB. Methods Ninety patients were recruited and were randomized into 3 groups. Group I Patients were nebulised with a mixture of 4% lignocaine 4 ml and fentanyl 2 μg/kg, Group II with a mixture of 4% lignocaine 4 ml and dexmedetomidine 1 μg/kg, and Group III with 4% lignocaine 4 ml and saline. Results Cough score was lower in Group II (1.6 ± 0.67) than Group I (2.5 ± 0.68) and Group III (2.7 ± 0.59). This difference between Group II and the rest of the group was highly significant (P  Conclusion Dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to lignocaine nebulization provides a better condition for bronchoscopy than fentanyl or lignocaine alone.