Nonintubated thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy for lung tumors

Intubated general anesthesia with one-lung ventilation is considered mandatory for anatomical pulmonary resections. Nonintubated thoracoscopic segmentectomy for management of lung tumors, which is technically challenging, has not been reported previously. The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy without endotracheal intubation.

From August 2009 to December 2012, 21 patients with lung tumors were treated using thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy without endotracheal intubation using a combination of thoracic epidural anesthesia, intrathoracic vagal blockade, and target-controlled sedation.

There were 16 patients with primary or metastatic lung cancers and 5 patients with nonmalignant tumors. Left upper lobe apical trisegmentectomy was most commonly performed (n = 6), followed by superior segmentectomy of the right lower lobe (n = 4) and left lower lobe (n = 4). One patient required conversion to intubated single-lung ventilation because of vigorous mediastinal and diaphragmatic movement. No patient required conversion to a thoracotomy or lobectomy. Operative complications developed in 1 patient who had an air leak for more than 3 days postoperatively. The mean duration of postoperative chest tube drainage and mean hospital stay were 2.5 days and 6.0 days, respectively. Anesthetic induction and the operation required a mean 26.5 minutes and 148.0 minutes, respectively.

Nonintubated thoracoscopic segmentectomy is technically feasible and safe. It can be an alternative to intubated single-lung ventilation for management of lung tumors in selected patients.