Anaesthetic management of a child undergoing thoracoscopic removal of a lung cyst.

The anaesthetic management of a child undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic resection of a large lung cyst is described. In particular, we discuss the prolonged postoperative stay, which resulted from persistent pneumothorax, and his need for substantial analgesia up to the twelfth postoperative day-which seemed no shorter than might have been expected following a thoracotomy. While other workers have claimed advantages with thoracoscopic operations, in terms of reduced pain and morbidity, compared to traditional thoracotomy, we feel that one should be aware of the potential for severe postoperative pain in these patients.