Anesthesia for Robotic Thoracic Surgery

The management of the robotic thoracic surgical patient • requires the knowledge of minimally invasive surgery techniques involving the chest. Familiarity with the da Vinci • ® robot surgical system by the anesthesiologist is mandatory. Management of one-lung ventilation techniques with a left• sided double-lumen endotracheal tube or an independent bronchial blocker is required, along with flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy techniques. Patient positioning and prevention of complications such as • nerve or crashing injuries while the robotic system is used. Recognition of the hemodynamic effects of carbon dioxide • (CO 2 ) during insufflation in the chest is required. Potential for conversion to open thoracotomy or open pro• cedure in the abdomen.