Objectives: Recent advances in the management of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer have focused on less invasive anesthetic and surgical techniques. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery without tracheal intubation is an evolving technique to provide a safe alternative with less short-term complication and faster postoperative recovery. The purpose of this review was to explore the latest developments and future prospects of nonintubated thoracoscopic surgery for early lung cancer.
Methods: We examined various techniques and surgical procedures as well as the outcomes and benefits.
Results: The results indicated a new era of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in which there is reduced procedure-related injury and enhanced postoperative recovery for lung cancer.
Conclusions: Nonintubated thoracoscopic surgery is a safe and feasible minimally invasive alternative surgery for early non-small cell lung cancer. Faster recovery and less short-term complication are potential benefits of this approach.
Keywords: Anesthesia; Awake thoracoscopic surgery; Non-small cell lung cancer; Nonintubated thoracoscopic surgery; Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.