[Thoracoscopic bilateral sympathectomy in Raynaud's syndrome. Anesthesiology problems]

The objective of this paper was to examine the major anaesthetic problems during transthoracic endoscopic sympathectomy without artificial pneumothorax and to present our experience of 16 cases suffering from Raynaud's disease. For the perioperative management we used a double lumen endo-bronchial tube and balanced anaesthesia (intravenous agents plus isoflurane). Arterial pressure, heart rate, ECG, end-tidal carbon dioxide concentration, SatO2, blood gases and peak inspiratory pressures were monitored. The results showed that no significant changes in these parameters occurred during surgery. Since hypoxaemia is the main problem of the thoracoscopic sympathectomy the A.A. emphasize the necessity to ensure a correct ventilation as well as a haemodynamic stability throughout the procedure. The combination of balanced anaesthesia and double lumen endobronchial intubation seems an advisable method when no artificial pnx is instituted. A close monitoring of the circulatory and respiratory systems is imperative.