Quality Management in Healthcare Through the Application of High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) During ERCP Procedures

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55707/jhs.v12i1.165

Keywords:

High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC), Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), healthcare quality

Abstract

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an invasive procedure associated with a high risk of respiratory complications, such as hypoxemia and hypercapnia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) compared to conventional nasal cannula (CNC) in maintaining oxygenation and ventilation during ERCP. This prospective, randomized pilot study included 20 patients divided into two groups (HFNC n=10; CNC n=10). Oxygen saturation (SaO₂) and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (paCO₂) were measured before and after the procedure. Data were analyzed using Levene’s test and an independent samples t-test. The HFNC group achieved significantly higher oxygen saturation (98.28 ± 3.15) compared to the CNC group (93.00 ± 5.96; p=0.024). Furthermore, paCO₂ was significantly lower in the HFNC group (5.36 ± 0.70) compared to the CNC group (6.34 ± 0.62; p<0.01). The HFNC group also had fewer episodes of desaturation and required fewer airway interventions. The results demonstrate that the use of HFNC during ERCP improves oxygenation, reduces CO₂ retention, and enhances patient safety, especially among those with higher respiratory risk. Despite the limitations of a small sample size, the findings are consistent with the existing literature and support further implementation of HFNC in gastroenterological endoscopy.

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Published

2025-06-30

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How to Cite

Quality Management in Healthcare Through the Application of High-Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) During ERCP Procedures. (2025). Revija Za Zdravstvene Vede, 12(1), 71-87. https://doi.org/10.55707/jhs.v12i1.165

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