Anesthesia Techniques, General Anesthesia, Postoperative Recovery, Thoracic Surgery, Video Assisted, Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)
Conditions
Keywords
Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery, VATS, Thoracic Surgery, Target-Controlled Infusion, Inhalational Anesthesia, Postoperative Recovery, Extubation Time
Brief summary
This study is designed as a prospective observational cohort to evaluate recovery after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). In our clinic, anesthesia for VATS is commonly provided either with target-controlled infusion (TCI) or with inhalational agents, depending on the routine practice of the anesthesiologist. No randomization or additional intervention will be performed. During the study period, patients who receive either method as part of standard care will be followed, and perioperative and postoperative data will be recorded. Awakening time, extubation time, Aldrete score progression, pain levels, and early postoperative complications will be compared between the two groups. The aim is to better understand how these widely used anesthesia techniques may influence recovery in VATS patients and to support future clinical decision-making.
Detailed description
This study is planned as a prospective observational cohort carried out in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). In routine practice at our institution, anesthesia for these operations is provided either with target-controlled infusion (TCI)-based total intravenous anesthesia or with inhalational agents. The study will not change the type of anesthesia given to any patient. The method used will depend entirely on the attending anesthesiologist's usual clinical choice. Patients receiving either technique during the study period will be followed, and perioperative variables will be documented. These include basic demographic data, intraoperative hemodynamic changes, duration of anesthesia, administered drug doses, and oxygenation parameters. Postoperative recovery will be assessed mainly through awakening and extubation times, Aldrete scores, sedation assessments, pain scores, and early complications such as nausea and vomiting. The purpose of this observational design is to compare the two commonly used anesthesia approaches as they are applied in real clinical practice. By examining postoperative recovery patterns and any differences between groups, the study aims to provide practical information that may help guide anesthesia selection in VATS procedures. No additional risk or intervention will be introduced, and all patient data will be collected in accordance with routine clinical monitoring.
Interventions
None listed
Sponsors
Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa
Study design
Observational model
COHORT
Time perspective
PROSPECTIVE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 80 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Adults aged 18 to 65 years Patients scheduled for elective video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) ASA physical status I-III Able to provide informed consent Planned postoperative recovery in PACU and surgical ward
Exclusion criteria
* ASA IV or higher Hemodynamic or respiratory instability before surgery Known allergy or contraindication to commonly used anesthetic agents Neurological or psychiatric conditions that may interfere with recovery assessment Emergency surgeries Patients who decline participation
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Extubation Time | Up to 30 minutes after the end of surgery | Time from discontinuation of anesthesia to removal of the endotracheal tube. Extubation time will be recorded routinely in the operating room as part of standard postoperative monitoring. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Awakening Time | Up to 20 minutes after surgery | Time from the end of anesthesia to the patient's first response to verbal command (eye opening or hand squeeze), recorded routinely in the operating room. |
| Aldrete Score Progression | PACU stay, up to 1 hour | Aldrete scores will be recorded at standard intervals in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) to evaluate early recovery. The time needed to reach an Aldrete score of 9 will be compared between groups. |
| Postoperative Pain Score (NRS) | First hour after PACU admission | Numeric Rating Scale (0-10) will be used to assess postoperative pain at PACU admission and during the early postoperative period. |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed