A preliminary report on anaesthesia for thoracoscopic oesophagectomy

The anaesthetic experience in three patients undergoing thoracoscopic oesophagectomy is discussed. The indications for surgery and the premorbid states are outlined. The necessity for one-lung ventilation, with its attendant cardiopulmonary effects, the difficulty of patient access and the assessment of blood loss were the main problems encountered. Pulmonary morbidity was high in the post-operative period despite the avoidance of thoracotomy. Two patients developed persistent vocal cord paralysis. In conclusion, the role of thoracoscopic oesophagectomy needs further evaluation.