The non-intubated anesthesia for airway surgery

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Anesthesiology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Traditional lung cancer surgery uses general anesthesia with single-lung ventilation, requiring specific airway pressure adjustments.
• Non-intubated thoracic surgery is emerging as a less invasive alternative, associated with fewer postoperative complications and shorter hospital stays.

Approach:

• This review discusses non-intubated thoracoscopic surgery, initially for minor procedures like wedge resections, now extended to major surgeries including segmentectomy and lobectomy.
• The approach is also applied to tracheal resection and reconstruction, aiming to leverage its benefits.

Key Points:

• Non-intubated surgery offers advantages in postoperative recovery and operating room time.
• The article examines the merits, demerits, and patient selection criteria for non-intubated thoracic surgery, particularly for airway surgery.
• Postoperative complications and perioperative challenges are also discussed.

Conclusions:

• Non-intubated thoracic surgery presents a viable, less invasive option for various lung and airway procedures.
• Careful patient selection and understanding of potential complications are crucial for successful implementation.