Does the ‘non-intubated’ anaesthetic technique offer any advantage for patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy?

A best evidence topic in cardiothoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was: Do patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy using the non-intubated anaesthetic technique have superior clinical outcomes? Altogether, 324 papers were found using the reported search, of which 5 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. The non-intubated anaesthetic technique can be safely used in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracic surgery lobectomy. Low conversion rates to intubation are reported, and conversion has been safely managed with no associated morbidity or mortality reported. The technique has not been shown to impact on the incidence of postoperative complications. However, studies consistently demonstrate improved postoperative outcomes in terms of recovery from anaesthesia permitting earlier oral intake and mobilization which is associated with a reduced length of hospital stay.