ORIGINAL ARTICLES  ANESTHESIA Free access

Minerva Anestesiologica 2006 March;72(3):111-5

Copyright © 2006 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English, Italian

Conscious analgosedation for radiofrequency ablation of lung neoplasm

Volpe M. L. ¹, Piazza O. ¹, Palumbo D. ¹, Griffo S. ¹, Romano M. ², Servillo G. ¹, De Robertis E. ¹, Tufano R. ¹

¹ Department of Surgical, Anesthesiological Intenstive Care and Emergency Sciences Federico II University, Naples, Italy 2 Department of Radiology and Imaging Federico II University, Naples, Italy

Aim. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive therapy for pulmonary malignant cancers in patients with medical co-morbidities or refusal of surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate a conscious analgosedation protocol for RFA of lung neoplasm.
Methods. Ten RFAs were performed. Following analgesic premedication patients underwent local anesthesia (lidocaine 2%) and propofol infusion.
Results. The procedures were always uneventful. Postoperative severe pain was not reported; a deep sedation was required to allow the quick and safe management of RFA.
Conclusion. Spontaneous breathing sedation is safe in monitored and –well-oxygenated patients and may limit the incidence of tension pneumothorax. Postoperative period needs a proper pain control for the first 24 h.Data on the long-term efficacy of lung tumor RFA are not yet available.