[Intraoperative radiotherapy: anesthesiologic problems during transport of patients]

In this study the condition of anesthesia in 8 patients, undergoing intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) for pancreatic or rectal tumors, is evaluated. Patients with reapproximated surgical incision were transferred from the operating room to the radiotherapy department while still under anesthesia. The risks of such transport as well as guidelines for the patient's care during this phase are examined. The results of this study indicate that in order to move anesthetized patients safely it is necessary to ensure stable cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic conditions prior to their transfer. It is also important to guarantee adequate analgesia and to establish appropriate monitoring during transport.