[Carbon dioxide elimination of normal to moderately advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease under thoracotomy].

We evaluated CO2 elimination by low frequency IPPV under thoracotomy through observation of both PaCO2 and PetCO2. Patients with mild to moderately advanced pulmonary insufficiency were included so as to make sure the appropriate frequency of IPPV to avoid hyperventilation. Ventilation with 10 bpm and TV 10 ml/kg over 3 hours was satisfactory, as PetCO2 and PaCO2 of the patients were within normal limit. However, in patients with severely impaired pulmonary function, the management of ventilation should be individualized.