Video-Assisted Thoracoscopy is Feasible Under Local Anesthesia. Issue 4 (1998)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Smit, Hans J. M.; Schramel, Franz M. N. H.; Sutedja, Tom G.; ter Laak-Uytenhaak, Luud S. C.; Nannes-Pols, Marjolein H.; Postmus, Pieter E.
• Is Part Of: Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy. Volume 4:Issue 4(1998)
• Page Start: 177
• Page End: 182
• Publication Date: 1998
• Subjects: Endoscopy -- Periodicals; Endoscopie; Endoscopy; Endoscopy -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 616.07545
• DOI: 10.1155/DTE.4.177
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1070-3608

Abstract

Abstract : Video-assisted thoracoscopy (VAT) is usually performed under general anesthesia (GA). We performed an analysis to determine whether multithoracoport VAT under local anesthesia (LA) is feasible. Methods : Forty-five VAT under LA were performed in 34 men and 11 women (mean age 46.8 years) in the endoscopy room. Results : The waiting time for VAT under LA was 0.5–6h on working days. There were no major complications during or after the VAT. In 9 patients, pleural malignancy was diagnosed, and in 7 patients suspected malignancy was excluded. In 5 patients we found bacterial empyema, of whom 4 had diathermic adhesiolysis during VAT. In 4 patients, the clinical diagnosis was tuberculosis by exclusion, and in 2 patients no conclusive diagnosis could be drawn. VAT influenced treatment policy 15 times, and in 17 pneumothorax patients talc poudrage was performed during the procedure. Conclusion : VAT under LA is safe, effective, logistically simple, and requires no long waiting times. No conversion to GA was necessary.