[Total intravenous anesthesia in thoracotomy with one-lung ventilation]

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA), with the administration of drugs intravenously and the maintenance of pulmonary ventilation with oxygen enriched air, with respect to inhalatory anaesthesia, in thoracotomies with single lung ventilation.

Methods: The study, devoloped in collaboration between the Service of Anaesthesia and Resuscitation and the Division of Thoracic Surgery of the Hospital of Teramo, was carried out in two groups of patients chosen at random; fifty patients divided into two groups of twenty-five were studied. Pre-medication and induction was similar in both groups; maintenance, however, varied: a total intravenous anaesthesia was given to patients in group A whereas patients in group B received an inhalatory anaesthesia. These parameters were considered: pressure values, heartbeat, PaO2 and PaCO2 levels, SatO2 and EtCO2.

Results: Both protocols respected anaesthetic guidelines in terms of controlling pressure values, heartbeat and levels of PaCO2 during bipulmonary ventilation. Significantly statistical differences were observed in the oxygenation during one lung ventilation: the mean values of PaO2 being significantly higher in group A.

Conclusions: On the basis of this experience, it can be conclude that TIVA offers the following advantages: a better oxygenation during one lung ventilation, good recovery of post operative consciousness with no psychomotor disturbances, absence of pollution in the operating theatre.