Awake thoracoscopic non-anatomic pulmonary resections under thoracic paravertebral block: Results of a tertiary referral centre.

Introduction: Awake video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) helps to avoid the adverse effects of general anaesthesia (GA) with single-lung ventilation. Its usage in anatomic and non-anatomic pulmonary resections has spread worldwide, and it is mostly performed under thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA). We herein report our surgical experience with awake VATS non-anatomical resections under the thoracic paravertebral block (TPB).

Patients and methods: This retrospective, single-centred study reviewed patients undergoing awake VATS non-anatomical pulmonary resection under TPB, who voluntarily accepted awake VATS despite being suitable for GA and were found unsuitable for GA based on pre-operative assessment results. Demographic, pre-, per- and post-operative data were collected, analysed and compared with the literature data.

Results: Twenty-four patients (16 patients with normal pre-operative assessment results and 8 patients having high risk for GA) were selected. Fourteen bullectomies for recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax and 10 wedge resections (nine for metastasectomy and one for lung biopsy) were performed. Global in-operating room time was 77 ± 31 min. The morbidity rate was 20.8% (n = 5), including prolonged air leak in three and pneumonia in two patients. The mean duration of the chest tube was 1.9 ± 1.5 days and mean duration of hospital stay was 3.5 ± 2.1 days. There was no in-hospital mortality. Our results were mostly similar to the literature data.

Conclusion: Non-anatomical lung resections by VATS can be performed easily and safely under TPB in awake patients. Although the perioperative and post-operative outcomes are not superior to other anaesthesia approaches, preferring TPB may help to avoid the serious potential complications of TEA.