From "awake" to "monitored anesthesia care" thoracic surgery: A 15 year evolution

ANESTHESIA FOR NON-INTUBATED VIDEO-ASSISTED THORACOSCOPIC SURGERY

With the growing adoption of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols across all surgical groups, including thoracic surgery, coupled with improved video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) equipment and techniques, nonintubated thoracoscopic surgery has gained significant popularity in recent years. Avoiding tracheal intubation with an endotracheal or double-lumen tube and general anesthesia may reduce or eliminate the risks associated with traditional mechanical ventilation, one-lung ventilation, and general anesthesia. Studies have shown a trend toward better preservation of postoperative respiratory function and improved postoperative lengths of hospital stay, morbidity, and mortality; however, these have not been conclusively proven. This review article discusses the advantages of nonintubated VATS, the types of thoracic surgery in which this technique has been described, patient selection, appropriate anesthetic techniques, surgical concerns, potential complications relevant to the anesthesiologist during the conduct of nonintubated VATS surgery, and suggested management of these complications.

Defining the role of thoracic spinal anaesthesia in the 21st century: a narrative review

Since the performance of the first thoracic spinal anaesthetic in early 1908 many anaesthetists have gained interest in this unorthodox neuraxial anaesthetic technique. The main rationale justifying its use is to prevent complications related to general anaesthesia in high-risk patient populations. There is, however, significant debate regarding this practice around the world. The main concerns are fear of iatrogenic injury to the spinal cord, cephalad spread of local anaesthetic causing a complete spinal block, and haemodynamic instability owing to blockade of cardioaccelerator sympathetic fibres. The purpose of this narrative review is to appraise the literature critically regarding thoracic spinal anaesthesia, to synthesise the available information, and to provide a summary of evidence justifying its use in modern anaesthesia.

Non-Intubated Thoracic Surgery: Standpoints and Perspectives

Non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (NI-VATS) combines the advantages of a non-intubated surgery with the benefits of a minimally invasive approach. First, NI-VATS is performed in the case of fragile patients when general anesthesia and/or orotracheal intubation can be foreseen as inconvenient. However, NI-VATS indications have been increasingly extended to different patient conditions, considering the increasingly assessed safety and feasibility of the procedure. Currently, the NI-VATS approach is used worldwide for different thoracic surgery procedures, including the management of malignant pleural effusion, surgical treatment of empyema, anatomical and non-anatomical lung resection, and other indications. In fact, this approach has shown to be less impactful than VATS under general anesthesia, allowing for shortened hospitalization and faster recovery after surgery. Besides, NI-VATS is associated with fewer pulmonary complications, less respiratory distress, and a mild systemic inflammatory reaction. For these reasons, this approach should be considered not only in patients with poor cardiac or respiratory function (general functional reserve), but also in other eligible conditions.

We explored the anesthetic and surgical aspects of such an approach, including the management of analgesia, cough reflex, depth of sedation, and intraoperative technical issues to put this approach in perspective.

Assessment of the Operative Feasibility and Ventilation Distribution during Nonintubation Thoracoscopic Surgery Using Electrical Impedance Tomography

Background: To investigate the feasibility, ventilation distribution, and physiological effect of iatrogenic pneumothorax generated during nonintubated thoracoscopic surgery using electrical impedance tomography. Methods: Patients who underwent resections for pulmonary nodules between April 2016 and April 2019 were enrolled prospectively. Electrical impedance tomography was performed, and the measurements were recorded at five different timepoints. The patient characteristics, pathological characteristics, surgical procedures, operation times, and intraoperative parameters were recorded and analyzed. Results: Two hundred sixty-five perioperative electrical impedance tomography measurements during nonintubated thoracoscopic surgery were recorded in fifty-three patients. Fifty-one patients underwent wedge resections, and two patients underwent segmentectomies. The preoperative lateral decubitus position time point showed greater ventilation in the right lung than in the left lung. For left-sided surgery, the nonoperative lung had better ventilation (64.5% ± 14.1% for the right side vs. 35.5% ± 14.1% for the left side, p < 0.0001). For right-sided surgery, the nonoperative lung did not have better ventilation (52.4% ± 16.1% for the right side vs. 47.6% ± 16.1% for the left side, p = 0.44). The center of ventilation was significantly increased after surgery (p < 0.001). The global index of ventilation showed no difference after surgery. Conclusions: The nonintubated thoracoscopic surgical side had different ventilation distributions but reached ventilation equilibrium after the operation. Electrical impedance tomography is feasible and safe for monitoring ventilation without adverse effects.

Non-intubated Thoracic Surgery: Wedge Resections for Peripheral Pulmonary Nodules

The feasibility of performing pulmonary resections of peripheral lung nodules has been one of the main objectives of non-intubated thoracic surgery. The aim was to obtain histological characterization and extend a radical intended treatment to oncological patients unfit for general anesthesia or anatomic pulmonary resections. There is mounting evidence for the role of wedge resection in early-stage lung cancer treatment, especially for frail patients unfit for general anesthesia and anatomic resections with nodules, demonstrating a non-aggressive biological behavior. General anesthesia with single lung ventilation has been associated with a higher risk of ventilator-induced barotrauma and volotrauma as well as atelectasis in both the dependent and non-dependent lungs. Nonetheless, general anesthesia has been shown to impair the host immune system, eventually favoring both tumoral relapses and post-operative complications. Thus, non-intubated wedge resection seems to definitely balance tolerability with oncological radicality in highly selected patients. Nonetheless, differently from other non-surgical techniques, non-intubated wedge resection allows for histological characterization and possible oncological targeted treatment. For these reasons, non-intubated wedge resection is a fundamental skill in the core training of a thoracic surgeon. Main indications, surgical tips, and post-operative management strategies are hereafter presented. Non-intubated wedge resection is one of the new frontiers in minimal invasive management of patients with lung cancer and may become a standard in the armamentarium of a thoracic surgeon. Appropriate patient selection and VATS expertise are crucial to obtaining good results.

Non-intubated Thoracoscopic Surgery-Tips and Tricks From Anesthesiological Aspects: A Mini Review

Background

In the last few decades, surgical techniques have been developed in thoracic surgery, and minimally invasive strategies such as multi-and uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) have become more favorable even for major pulmonary resections. With this surgical evolution, the aesthetic approach has also changed, and a paradigm shift has occurred. The traditional conception of general anesthesia, muscle relaxation, and intubation has been re-evaluated, and spontaneous breathing plays a central role in our practice by performing non-intubated thoracoscopic surgeries (NITS-VATS).

Methods

We performed a computerized search of the medical literature (PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus) to identify relevant articles in non-intubated thoracoscopic surgery using the following terms [(non-intubated) OR (non-intubated) OR (awake) OR (tubeless) OR (regional anesthesia)] AND [(VATS) OR (NIVATS)], as well as their Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms.

Results

Based on the outcomes of the reviewed literature and our practice, it seems that pathophysiological concerns can be overcome by proper surgical and anesthetic management. All risks are compensated by the advantageous physiological changes that result in better patient outcomes. With the maintenance of spontaneous breathing, the incidence of potential adverse effects of mechanical ventilation, such as ventilator-induced lung injury and consequent postoperative pulmonary complications, can be reduced. The avoidance of muscle relaxants also results in the maintenance of contraction of the dependent hemidiaphragm and lower airway pressure levels, which may lead to better ventilation-perfusion matching. These techniques can be challenging for surgeons as well as for anesthetists; hence, a good knowledge of physiological and pathophysiological changes, clear inclusion and exclusion and intraoperative conversion criteria, and good communication between team members are essential.

Conclusion

NITS-VATS seems to be a feasible and safe method in selected patients with evolving importance as a part of the minimally invasive surgical and anesthetic conception and has a role in reducing perioperative complications, which is crucial in the thoracic surgical patient population.

Thoracic surgery in the non-intubated spontaneously breathing patient

BACKGROUND

The interest in non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (NIVATS) has risen over the last decade and numerous terms have been used to describe this technique. They all have in common, that the surgical procedure is performed in a spontaneously breathing patient under locoregional anaesthesia in combination with intravenous sedation but have also been performed on awake patients without sedation. Evidence has been generated favouring NIVATS compared to one-lung-ventilation under general anaesthesia.

MAIN BODY

We want to give an overview of how NIVATS is performed, and which different techniques are possible. We discuss advantages such as shorter length of hospital stay or (relative) contraindications like airway difficulties. Technical aspects, for instance intraoperative handling of the vagus nerve, are considered from a thoracic surgeon's point of view. Furthermore, special attention is paid to the cohort of patients with interstitial lung diseases, who seem to benefit from NIVATS due to the avoidance of positive pressure ventilation. Whenever a new technique is introduced, it must prove noninferiority to the state of the art. Under this aspect current literature on NIVATS for lung cancer surgery has been reviewed.

CONCLUSION

NIVATS technique may safely be applied to minor, moderate, and major thoracic procedures and is appropriate for a selected group of patients, especially in interstitial lung disease. However, prospective studies are urgently needed.

Real-Time Pleural Elastography: Potential Usefulness in Nonintubated Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery

Pleural adhesions are a major challenge in standard and nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery. The currently available imaging techniques help to assess the presence and extent of pleural adhesions, but do not provide information on tissue deformability, which is crucial for intraoperative management. In this report, we describe the utilization of real-time elastography mapping of pleural adhesions. This technique enabled us to detect areas with softer adhesions, and helped establish the surgical plan in a difficult case of a patient scheduled for nonintubated video-assisted thoracic surgery.

Spontaneous ventilation combined with double-lumen tube intubation in thoracic surgery

OBJECTIVE

We present the combination of spontaneous ventilation and double-lumen tube intubation in thoracic surgery.

METHODS

At the beginning of the procedures, the patients with a body mass index of ≤ 30 were relaxed for a short time, and a double-lumen tube was inserted. After the utility incision or thoracotomy, the vagus nerve was blocked (in right side in the upper mediastinum; in left side in the aorto-pulmonary window) with 3-5 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine. The patients had a bispectral index of 40-60. After the short relaxation period, the patients were ventilating spontaneously without any cough during the manipulation.

RESULTS

Between March 10 and September 18. 2020, 26 spontaneous ventilation combined with intubation surgeries were performed: 19 uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (15 lobectomies, 1 segmentectomy, and 3 wedge resections) and 7 open (5 lobectomies and 1 sleeve segmentectomy, 1 wedge resection). The mean mechanical and spontaneous one-lung ventilation time was 25.5 (15-115) and 73.3 (45-100) minutes, respectively. In 2 cases conversion to relaxation were necessary (2/26; 7.7%). The mean maximal carbon dioxide pressure was 52.3 (38-66) Hgmm and the mean lowest oxygen saturation was 93.8 (86-99) %. Breathing frequency ranged between 10-25/minute. The mean surgical times was 83.3 (55-130) minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

Spontaneous ventilation combined with intubation in video-assisted thoracic surgery or open resections is a safe method in selected patients. It can reduce the mechanical one-lung ventilation period with 76.6% and give safe airway for spontaneous ventilation thoracic procedures.

Anesthesiological considerations in emphysema surgery

In the last decades, developing thoracic surgery raised the demands for sophisticated anesthesiological management. Especially patients with end-stage thoracic emphysema challenge the anesthesiologist to make modern surgery possible and to provide a safe and effective perioperative management. The development and scientific work-up of single lung ventilation (SLV) laid the cornerstone for surgery of the non-ventilated lung and hemi-thorax. However, modern medicine extended surgical options to extensive tracheal surgery and to patients suffering from severely insufficient lung-capacity precluding single-lung ventilation or artificial ventilation in se. For those critically ill, different techniques were thus developed and evaluated in recent research, among others, non-intubated surgery and surgery under extracorporeal perfusion support that temporarily avoids pulmonary gas exchange and ventilation via the trachea in any way. To tackle postoperative pain with its successive problems of immobilization, insufficient respiration and airway-clearance, regional anesthesia offers great advantages. Thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA) is considered as the gold standard; complementary, modern ultrasound techniques make regional anesthesia possible even when contraindications prohibit neuraxial blocks. Especially paravertebral block, musculus serratus anterior block, intercostal block and the musculus erector spinae block provide good postoperative pain relief and appear to influence chronic post-thoracotmy pain positively. Careful preoperative preparation, intraoperative monitoring and patient-tailored, individual perioperative management by a well-trained team ensure good results, a good survival and favorable quality of life. This article provides a brief overview over state-of-the-art techniques and future perspectives to provide anesthesia in emphysema surgery.

Conversion method to manage surgical difficulties in non-intubated uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery for major lung resection: simple thoracotomy without intubation

Background

The major limitations of widespread use of non-intubated thoracic surgery (NITS) is the fear of managing complications. Here we present our practice of converting from uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) NITS to open NITS in cases of surgical complications.

Methods

The study period was from January 26, 2017, to November 30, 2018. Total intravenous anesthesia was provided with propofol guided by bispectral index, and the airway was maintained with a laryngeal mask with spontaneous breathing. Local anesthesia with 2% lidocaine at the skin incision, and intercostal and vagus nerve blockades were induced using 0.5% bupivacaine. For conversion with surgical indications, a thoracotomy was performed at the incision without additional local or general anesthetics.

Results

In 160 complete NITS procedures, there were 145 VATS NITS and 15 open NITS (9 conversions to open NITS and 6 intended NITS thoracotomies). In the 15 open NITS cases (2 pneumonectomies, 1 bilobectomy, 1 sleeve lobectomy, 7 lobectomies, 3 sublobar resections, 1 exploration), the mean operative time was 146.7 (105–225) and 110 (75–190) minutes in the converted and intended open NITS groups, respectively. There were no significant differences between systolic blood pressure (P=0.316; 95% CI, −10.469 to 3.742), sat O2% (P=0.27; 95% CI, −1.902 to 0.593), or propofol concentration in the effect site (P=0.053; 95% CI, −0.307 to 0.002) but significant differences in pulse (P=0.007; 95% CI, −10.001 to −2.72), diastolic blood pressure (P=0.013; 95% CI, −9.489 to −1.420) and in end-tidal CO2 (P=0.016; 95% CI, −7.484 to −0.952) before versus after thoracotomy, but there was no clinical relevance of the differences.

Conclusions

For conversion with surgical indications during the VATS-NITS procedure, NITS thoracotomy can be performed safely at the site of the utility incision without the need for additional drugs, and the major lung resections can be performed through this approach.

Nonintubated Uniportal Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery for Chest Infections

Chest infection is a health care problem in many regions of the world, and pleural empyema is the most common type of surgical chest infection. In the past decennium, the introduction of nonintubated surgery and uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery changed considerably surgical treatment of pleural empyema. Although the advantages seem evident, the need for randomized controlled trials is necessary to confirm the usefulness. Moreover, in the future, an education and training program for thoracic surgeons and anesthesiologists would allow increasing the number of awake surgical options in caring for patients with stages II to III empyema.

Team Training for Nonintubated Thoracic Surgery

Nonintubated thoracic surgery arose as supplemental evolution of minimally invasive surgery and is gaining popularity. A proper nonintubated thoracic surgery unit is mandatory and should involve surgeons, anesthesiologists, intensive care physicians, physiotherapists, psychologists, and scrub and ward nurses. Surgical training should involve experienced and young surgeons. It deserves a step-by-step approach and consolidated experience on video-assisted thoracic surgery. Due to difficulty in reproducing lung and diaphragm movements, training with simulation systems may be of scant value; instead, preceptorships and invited proctorships are useful. Preoperatively, patients must be fully informed. Effective intraoperative communication with patients and among the surgical team is pivotal.

Anatomic Segmentectomy in Nonintubated Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

Thoracic surgery has evolved into minimally invasive surgery, in terms of not only surgical approach but also less aggressive anesthesia protocols and lung-sparing resections. Nonintubated anatomic segmentectomies are challenging procedures but can be safely performed if some essentials are considered. Strict selection criteria, previous experience in minor procedures, multidisciplinary cooperation, and the 4 cornerstones (deep sedation, regional analgesia, oxygenation support and vagal blockade) should be followed. Better outcomes in postoperative recovery, including resumption of oral intake, chest tube duration, and hospital stay, and low complication and conversion rates, are encouraging but should be checked in larger multicenter prospective randomized trials.

Thoracoscopic lung biopsy under regional anesthesia for interstitial lung disease

BACKGROUND

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) management guidelines support lung biopsy-guided therapy. However, the high mortality associated with thoracoscopic lung biopsy using general anesthesia (GA) in patients with ILD has deterred physicians from offering this procedure and adopt a diagnostic approach based on high-resolution CT. Here we report that thoracoscopy under regional anesthesia could be a safer alternative for lung biopsy and effectively guide ILD treatment.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective review of prospectively maintained database and consisted of patients who underwent thoracoscopic lung biopsy between March 2016 and March 2018. Patients were divided into two groups: (A) GA, and (B) regional anesthesia using monitored anesthesia care (MAC) and thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA).

RESULTS

During the study period, 44 patients underwent thoracoscopic lung biopsy. Of these, 15 underwent MAC/TEA. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to pulmonary function test and clinicodemographic profile. However, operative time and hospital stay were shorter in MAC/TEA group (32.5±18.5 min vs 50.8±18.4; p=0.004, 1.0±1.3 days vs 10.0±34.7 days; p<0.001, respectively). Eight patients in the GA group, but none in the MAC/TEA group, experienced worsening of ILD after lung biopsy (p=0.03). Additionally, one patient in the GA group died due to acute ILD worsening. No cases of MAC/TEA group had to be converted to GA. In all cases a pathological diagnosis could be made.

CONCLUSIONS

Thoracoscopy using regional anesthesia might be a safer alternative to lung biopsy in patients with ILD.

Comparison of awake and intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the diagnosis of pleural diseases: A prospective multicenter randomized trial

Background

This study aims to compare the safety and diagnostic accuracy of awake and intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in the diagnosis of pleural diseases.

Methods

This prospective randomized study was conducted between October 2016 and April 2018 and included 293 patients (201 males, 92 females; mean age 53.59 years; range, 18 to 90 years) from five medical centers experienced in video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The patients were randomized into two groups as awake video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with sedoanalgesia (non-intubated) and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with general anesthesia (intubated). Patients with undiagnosed pleural effusions and pleural pathologies such as nodules and masses were included. Conditions such as pain, agitation, and hypoxia were indications for intubation. The groups were compared in terms of demographic data, postoperative pain, operative time, complications, diagnostic accuracy of the procedures, and cost. All patients completed a follow-up period of at least 12 months for samples that were non-specific, suspicious for malignancy or inadequate.

Results

Awake video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed in 145 and intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed in 148 patients. Pleural disease was unilateral in 83% (243/293) and bilateral in 17% (50/293) of the patients. There was no difference between the groups in terms of presence of comorbidity (p=0.149). One patient in the awake video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery group (0.6%) was converted to general anesthesia due to refractory pain and agitation. As postoperative complications, fluid drainage and pneumonia were observed in one patient in the awake video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery group (0.6%) and fluid drainage was detected in one patient in the video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery group (0.6%). There were no differences in pain intensity measured with visual analog scale at postoperative 4, 8, 12, or 24 hours (p>0.05). Distribution and rates of postoperative pathological diagnoses were also similar (p=0.171). Both operative cost and total hospital cost were lower in the awake video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery group (p<0.001, p=0.001).

Conclusion

Our study showed that awake video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is safe, has similar reliability and diagnostic accuracy compared to video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery performed under general anesthesia, and is less costly. Awake video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery can be the first method of choice in all patients, not only in those with comorbidities.

Precise anesthesia in thoracoscopic operations

Purpose of review

The current review focuses on precise anesthesia for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with the goal of enhanced recovery.

Recent findings

VATS has become an established and widely used minimally invasive approach with broad implementation on a variety of thoracic operations. In the current environment of enhanced recovery protocols and cost containment, minimally invasive VATS operations suggest adoption of individualized tailored, precise anesthesia. In addition to a perfect lung collapse for surgical interventions with adequate oxygenation during one lung ventilation, anesthesia goals include a rapid, complete recovery with adequate postoperative analgesia leading to early discharge and minimized costs related to postoperative inpatient services. The components and decisions related to precise anesthesia are reviewed and discussed including: letting patients remain awake versus general anesthesia, whether the patient should be intubated or not, operating with or without muscle relaxation, whether to use different separation devises, operating with different local and regional blocks and monitors.

Conclusion

The determining factors in designing a precise anesthesic for VATS operations involve consensus on patients’ tolerance of the associated side effects, the best practice or techniques for surgery and anesthesia, the required postoperative support, and the care team's experience.

Clarification of the resection line non-intubated segmentectomy using indocyanine green

A reflection on the measure of fluorescence specificity of indocyanine green (ICG) in non-intubated pulmonary segmentectomy.

Postoperative pulmonary complications and hospital stay after lung resection surgery: A meta-analysis comparing nonintubated and intubated anesthesia

BACKGROUND

Since postoperative pulmonary complications are one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing lung resection surgery, we performed a meta-analysis to compare the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications and hospital death, and the length of hospital stay in patients who received nonintubated or intubated anesthesia during thoracoscopic surgery for lung resection and further explore the tricks in nonintubated anesthesia.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception to September 2017. We included eligible research comparing nonintubated anesthesia with intubated anesthesia in thoracoscopic surgery for lung resection. The primary outcomes involved postoperative pulmonary complications, hospital death, and hospital stay. The rates and causes of conversion from nonintubated anesthesia to intubated anesthesia were also analyzed.

RESULTS

After screening through 754 potentially relevant articles, we included 3 randomized controlled trials and 7 observational studies with 1138 patients. There was no perioperative mortality in 2 groups. The nonintubated group revealed comparable postoperative pulmonary complications (OR = 0.57; P = .07; P for heterogeneity = .49, I = 0%) and shorter hospital stay (WMD = -1.10; P < .00001; P for heterogeneity = .84, I = 0%) in overall findings with little heterogeneity.

CONCLUSION

Nonintubated anesthesia in thoracoscopic surgery for lung resection shortened the length of hospital stay compared with intubated anesthesia. However, the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications was comparable between nonintubated and intubated group. Given the potential perioperative emergencies, such as persistent hypoxemia, carbon dioxide retention, or extensive pleural adhesions, nonintubated anesthesia in lung resection surgery requires extra vigilance to ensure the safety of the patients and the success of the surgery. Powerful randomized controlled trials in the future are essential to provide more certainty and address long-term effectiveness. Only when anesthesiologists and surgeons make efforts together can better clinical outcomes in lung resection surgery be achieved.

A glance at the history of uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery

In the history of thoracic surgery, the advent of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) had on effect equivalent to that provoked by a true revolution. VATS successfully allowed minor, major and complex procedures for various lung and mediastinal pathologies with small incision instead of the traditional accesses. These small incisions abolished ugly scars, generated less acute and chronic pain, reduced hospital stay and costs, allowed faster return to normal day life activities. Conventional VATS was initially performed through 3-4 ports and rapidly evolved to uniportal or single portal access [uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery (uniVATS)]. First uniportal procedures were published in 2000. In 2010, uniportal technique for lobectomy was described. Focused experimental courses, live surgery events, the internet media favored the rapid diffusion of this technique over the world. Major and complex uniVATS lung resections involving segmentectomy, pneumonectomy, bronchoplasty and vascular reconstruction, redo VATS, en bloc chest wall resections have been accomplished with satisfactory outcomes. Interestingly, different uniportal approaches and techniques are emerging from a number of VATS centers particularly experienced in the mini-invasive thoracic surgery. As confidence grew, in 2014, the first uniVATS left upper lobectomy via the subxiphoid approach was reported. This novel technique is quite challenging but appropriate patient selection as well as availability of dedicated instruments allowed to perform procedures safely. The diffusion of uniVATS paralleled with the development of nonintubated awake anesthesia technique. In 2007 the first nonintubated lobectomy was described. In 2014 the first single port VATS lobectomy in a nonintubated patient with lung cancer of the right middle lobe was accomplished. The nonintubated uniVATS represents an intriguing technique, so that very experienced thoracoscopic surgeons may enroll to surgery elderly and high risk patients. Decreased postoperative pain and hospitalization, faster access to the radio-chemotherapy and diminished inflammatory response are important benefits of the modern approach to the thoracic pathologies. The history of uniVATS documented a constant and irresistible progress. This technique may further provide unthinkable surprises in next future.

Anaesthesiology for uniportal VATS: double lumen, single lumen and tubeless

The advent of one-lung ventilation (OLV) technique provides immobilized surgical field which is fundamental in minimally invasive thoracic surgery. Mainstem methods of achieving lung separation are either via a double-lumen endotracheal tube or placing a bronchial blocker (BB) through a single-lumen endotracheal tube. More recently, the use of non-intubated thoracic surgery (NITS) has been investigated intensively, attempting to minimise the complications that follow general anaesthesia. The aim of this review is to describe the mechanism of these techniques briefly and outlines the advantages and drawbacks of them with the comparison.

Immunological and Inflammatory Impact of Non-Intubated Lung Metastasectomy

Background: We hypothesized that video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) lung metastasectomy under non-intubated anesthesia may have a lesser immunological and inflammatory impact than the same procedure under general anesthesia. Methods: Between December 2005 and October 2015, 55 patients with pulmonary oligometastases (at the first episode) successfully underwent VATS metastasectomy under non-intubated anesthesia. Lymphocytes subpopulation and interleukins 6 and 10 were measured at different intervals and matched with a control group composed of 13 patients with similar clinical features who refused non-intubated surgery. Results: The non-intubated group demonstrated a lesser reduction of natural killer lymphocytes at 7 days from the procedure (p = 0.04) compared to control. Furthermore, the group revealed a lesser spillage of interleukin 6 after 1 (p = 0.03), 7 (p = 0.04), and 14 (p = 0.05) days. There was no mortality in any groups. Major morbidity rate was significantly higher in the general anesthesia group 3 (5%) vs. 3 (23%) (p = 0.04). The median hospital stay was 3.0 vs. 3.7 (p = 0.033) days, the estimated costs with the non-intubated procedure was significantly lower, even excluding the hospital stay. Conclusions: VATS lung metastasectomy in non-intubated anesthesia had significantly lesser impact on both immunological and inflammatory response compared to traditional procedure in intubated general anesthesia.

Non-intubated thoracoscopic surgery for decortication of empyema under thoracic epidural anesthesia: a case report

General anesthesia is the main strategy for almost all thoracic surgeries. However, a growing body of literature has reported successful cases of non-intubated thoracic surgery with regional anesthesia. This alternative strategy not only prevents complications related to general anesthesia, such as lung injury, incomplete re-expansion and intubation related problems, but also accords with trends of shorter hospital stay and lower overall costs. We experienced a successful case of non-intubated thoracoscopic decortication for a 68-year-old man who was diagnosed as empyema while the patient kept spontaneously breathing with moderate sedation under thoracic epidural anesthesia. The patient showed a fast recovery without concerns of general anesthesia related complications and effective postoperative analgesia through thoracic epidural patient-controlled analgesia device. This is the first report of non-intubated thoracoscopic surgery under thoracic epidural anesthesia in Korea, and we expect that various well designed prospective studies will warrant the improvement of outcomes in non-intubated thoracoscopic surgery.

1000 cases of tubeless video-assisted thoracic surgery at the Rome Tor Vergata University

In the early 2000s, the ‘Awake Thoracic Surgery Research Group’ at Tor Vergata University began a program of thoracic operations in awake nonintubated patients. To our knowledge this was the first program created with this specific purpose. Since then over 1000 tubeless operations have been carried out successfully, making this series one of the widest in the world. Both nononcologic and oncologic conditions were successively approached and major operations for lung cancer are now being performed. Uniportal access was progressively adopted with significant positive outcomes in postoperative recovery, patient acceptance and economical costs. Failure rates due to patient's intolerance and open surgery conversion are progressively reducing. Tubeless thoracic surgery can be accomplished in a safe manner with effective results.

Non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery: where does evidence stand?

In recent years, non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (NIVATS) strategies are gaining popularity worldwide. The main goal of this surgical practice is to achieve an overall improvement of patients' management and outcome thanks to the avoidance of side-effects related to general anesthesia (GA) and one-lung ventilation. The spectrum of expected benefits is multifaceted and includes reduced postoperative morbidity, faster discharge, decreased hospital costs and a globally reduced perturbation of patients' well-being status. We have conducted a literature search to evaluate the available evidence on this topic. Meta-analysis of collected results was also done where appropriate. Despite some fragmentation of data and potential biases, the available data suggest that NIVATS operations can reduce operative morbidity and hospital stay when compared to equipollent procedures performed under GA. Larger, well designed prospective studies are thus warranted to assess the effectiveness of NIVATS as far as to investigate comprehensively the various outcomes. Multi-institutional and multidisciplinary cooperation will be welcome to establish uniform study protocols and to help address the questions that are to be answered yet.

Non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery under loco-regional anaesthesia for thoracic surgery: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The short-term feasibility and safety of non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery under loco-regional anaesthesia for thoracic surgery remains unknown. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to provide evidence for the short-term efficacy and safety profile of non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery under loco-regional anaesthesia for thoracic surgery.

METHODS

We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library databases and Google Scholar, as well as American Society of Clinical Oncology to identify relevant studies comparing non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery under loco-regional anaesthesia with conventionally intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery under general anaesthesia, dated up to 31 August 2015. Data concerning global in-operating room time, hospital stays, rate of postoperative complications and perioperative mortality were extracted and analysed. We conducted a meta-analysis of the overall results and two subgroup analyses based on study design (a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and a second meta-analysis of observational studies).

RESULTS

Four randomized controlled trials and six observational studies with a total of 1283 patients were included. We found that in the overall analysis, patients treated with non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery under loco-regional anaesthesia achieved significantly shorter global in-operating room time [weighted mean difference = -41.96; 95% confidence interval (CI) = (-57.26, -26.67); P < 0.001] and hospital stays [weighted mean difference = -1.24; 95% CI = (-1.46, -1.02); P < 0.001] as well as a lower rate of postoperative complications [relative risk = 0.55; 95% CI = (0.40, 0.74); P < 0.001] than patients treated with intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery under general anaesthesia. Subgroup meta-analyses based on study design achieved the same outcomes as overall analysis. In our meta-analysis, no perioperative mortality was observed in patients treated with non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery under loco-regional anaesthesia.

CONCLUSIONS

Non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery under loco-regional anaesthesia for thoracic surgery proved to be feasible and safe. Future multicentre and well-designed randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up are needed to confirm and update the findings of our study, as well as the long-term efficacy of non-intubated video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery under loco-regional anaesthesia.

Danshensu protects isolated heart against ischemia reperfusion injury through activation of Akt/ERK1/2/Nrf2 signaling

Danshen has been widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases while Danshensu [3(3,4dihydroxyphenyl) 2 hydroxy propanoic acid, DSS], a major water-soluble component of Danshen has also been explored as an important compound in Danshen. In the present study, DSS was tested in isolated rat hearts of ischemia reperfusion (I/R) model to investigate its cardioprotective activity and explore the potential molecular mechanism against oxidative stress. The isolated rat hearts were used to perform global ischemia for 30 min, followed by 30 min reperfusion. DSS significantly decreased the level of the marker enzymes (creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase) from the coronary effluents and myocardial infarction size. This could markedly contribute to the recovery of cardiac function after I/R injury. DSS also had ROS scavenging activity and boosted endogenous antioxidants such as SOD, CAT, MDA, GSH-PX and HO-1 activities by activating nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway which was mediated by Akt and ERK1/2 in western blot analysis. Our results demonstrated a cardioprotective effect of DSS on isolated heart against oxidative stress during I/R injury. This mechanism might be related to the enhancement of antioxidant defense system by activating Akt/ERK1/2/Nrf2 signaling pathways. This work could provide experimental evidence in treating cardiovascular disease by the use of traditional Chinese medicine particularly in myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury.

VATS biopsy for undetermined interstitial lung disease under non-general anesthesia: comparison between uniportal approach under intercostal block vs. three-ports in epidural anesthesia

OBJECTIVE

Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) biopsy is the gold standard to achieve diagnosis in undetermined interstitial lung disease (ILD). VATS lung biopsy can be performed under thoracic epidural anesthesia (TEA), or more recently under simple intercostal block. Comparative merits of the two procedures were analyzed.

METHODS

From January 2002 onwards, a total of 40 consecutive patients with undetermined ILD underwent VATS biopsy under non-general anesthesia. In the first 20 patients, the procedures were performed under TEA and in the last 20 with intercostal block through a unique access. Intraoperative and postoperative variables were retrospectively matched.

RESULTS

Two patients, one from each group, required shift to general anesthesia. There was no 30-day postoperative mortality and two cases of major morbidity, one for each group. Global operative time was shorter for operations performed under intercostal block (P=0.041). End-operation parameters significantly diverged between groups with better values in intercostal block group: one-second forced expiratory flow (P=0.026), forced vital capacity (P=0.017), oxygenation (P=0.038), PaCO2 (P=0.041) and central venous pressure (P=0.045). Intraoperative pain coverage was similar. Significant differences with better values in intercostal block group were also experienced in 24-hour postoperative quality of recovery-40 questionnaire (P=0.038), hospital stay (P=0.033) and economic expenses (P=0.038). Histology was concordant with radiologic diagnosis in 82.5% (33/40) of patients. Therapy was adjusted or modified in 21 patients (52.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Uniportal VATS biopsies under intercostal block can provide better intraoperative and postoperative outcomes compared to TEA. They allow the indications for VATS biopsy in patients with undetermined ILD to be extended.