How soon after bronchoscopy can a patient start their diet?

From the Guidelines

After a bronchoscopy, patients can typically resume their normal diet within hours after the procedure, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. The return of the gag reflex and the ability to swallow clear fluids safely, normally 60–90 minutes after the bronchoscopy, should be established before discharge from hospital 1. It is essential to follow a gradual approach to prevent choking or aspiration, starting with clear liquids like water or apple juice, then progressing to soft foods before returning to the regular diet. If sedation was used, its effects need to wear off completely before eating to reduce aspiration risk. Some patients may experience a mild sore throat for 24-48 hours after the procedure, so cool, soft foods might be more comfortable during this time. Key considerations for resuming diet after bronchoscopy include:

• The patient's overall health and ability to swallow safely
• The type of procedure performed and any potential complications
• The use of sedation and its effects on the patient's ability to eat and drink
• The patient's individual needs and preferences for diet and nutrition. If you experience severe difficulty swallowing, persistent pain, or shortness of breath after attempting to eat, contact your healthcare provider immediately. The most recent and highest quality study 1 supports the initiation of oral intake, including clear liquids, within hours after surgery in most patients, which can be applied to the post-bronchoscopy period. This approach is further supported by other studies 1, which emphasize the importance of early oral nutrition and enteral nutrition in patients who have undergone surgical procedures, including bronchoscopy. In general, the goal is to resume normal diet as soon as possible after the procedure, while minimizing the risk of complications and ensuring the patient's safety and comfort. The healthcare provider will specifically inform you when it's safe to eat and drink, and it's essential to follow their instructions to ensure a smooth and safe recovery. By following these guidelines and recommendations, patients can safely resume their normal diet after a bronchoscopy and minimize the risk of complications. It's also important to note that the patient's individual needs and circumstances should be taken into account when determining the best approach for resuming diet after bronchoscopy. In some cases, the healthcare provider may recommend a specific diet or nutrition plan, and it's essential to follow their instructions to ensure the best possible outcome. Overall, the key is to prioritize the patient's safety and comfort while minimizing the risk of complications and promoting a smooth and safe recovery. The most recent and highest quality evidence 1 supports the initiation of oral intake, including clear liquids, within hours after the procedure, and this approach should be followed unless contraindicated by the patient's individual circumstances.

From the Research

Post-Bronchoscopy Diet

• There is no direct evidence in the provided studies regarding the specific timing of starting a diet after bronchoscopy 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
• However, studies on postoperative nutrition after abdominal surgery suggest that early advancement to a regular diet can be safe and beneficial for patients 3, 5, 6.
• A study on patient-controlled nutrition after abdominal surgery found that patients who advanced their diet according to their own choice had a shorter time to tolerance of a regular diet and a shorter postoperative hospital stay 3.
• Another study found that early enteral nutrition after abdominal surgery can reduce wound morbidity and healing, fewer septic complications, diminished weight loss, and improved protein kinetics 5.
• A comparative study on soft diet or clear liquids in the resumption of oral intake in the postoperative period found that starting with a regular diet can reduce the in-hospital stay and cost, and provide higher caloric and protein intake 6.
• It is essential to note that these studies are related to abdominal surgery and not specifically to bronchoscopy, and the decision to start a diet after bronchoscopy should be made on a case-by-case basis, considering the individual patient's condition and the procedure's specifics.