Thoracoscopic Lung Resection

Lung resections are performed for various congenital and acquired diseases, including congenital pulmonary airway malformations, bronchopulmonary sequestrations, congenital lobar emphysema, bronchogenic cysts, bronchiectasis, necrotizing pneumonias and tumors. Thoracoscopic lung resection is indicated if the patient is hemodynamically stable, the anesthesiologist is comfortable with management of chest insufflation, and the surgeon is experienced in working efficiently in a small space. Compared to open lung resection, the thoracoscopic approach has similar operative times and complication rates, with reduced time to chest tube removal and length of stay. This chapter reviews the pre-operative work-up, anesthetic considerations, equipment required, patient positioning, key operative milestones and post-operative care for thoracoscopic lung resection.