Anaesthetic considerations for lung volume reduction surgery--a case report.
BACKGROUND
This case describes some of the unique problems faced by the thoracic anaesthesiologists during anaesthesia for lung volume reduction surgery.


METHODS
The usual pulmonary function requirements for lobectomy are normally not met in these patients with severe emphysema.


METHODS
Maintenance of the functional residual capacity of the lung and normocapnia during anaesthesia are not as important. Instead problems due to barotrauma and dynamic hyperinflation from positive pressure ventilation are.


RESULTS
Modification of ventilation strategy and providing an anaesthetic tailored towards early extubation is the cornerstone of the anaesthetic plan.


CONCLUSIONS
A good understanding of the respiratory physiology in patients with severe emphysema is essential.
Chow
M Y H
MY
Department of Anaesthesia and Surgical Intensive Care, Singapore General Hospital, Outram Road, Singapore 169608.
Tan
L H
LH
Agasthian
T
T
D000368:Aged; D000758:Anesthesia; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011656:Pulmonary Emphysema / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D020775:Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted