Thoracic Anesthesiology

Advancements in thoracic surgery and the perioperative care of the thoracic patient have been made together with advancements in anesthesiology. Thoracic anesthesia requires the understanding of respiratory physiology and pathophysiology, the impact of anesthesia and surgery on cardiopulmonary function, single-lung ventilation, and regional pain modalities. This chapter reviews the techniques and issues an anesthesiologist faces when caring for a thoracic surgical patient. Care begins with the preoperative evaluation of lung function and comorbidities to predict the patient’s ability to tolerate surgery. Care extends into the postoperative period with emphasis on analgesia. Throughout, clear communication between anesthesiology and surgery is required for optimal outcomes.