Oxygen-Associated Hypercapnia after both side Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery – A Case Report

Abstract

Thoracoscopy, as a minimally invasive surgical technique in the field of thoracic surgery, has been widely utilized due to its minimally invasive nature, cost-effectiveness, and short hospital stay. Most thoracoscopic surgeries involve intraoperative single-lung ventilation, aiming to maintain intraoperative oxygen saturation (SPO2) above 93% by increasing the respiratory rate and administering a high concentration of oxygen. However, the high concentration of oxygen administered during surgery and postoperative pain in thoracic surgery often result in decreased ventilation and hypoxia in patients. This case report details a patient who underwent bilateral thoracoscopic surgery with single-lung ventilation on both sides, subsequently developing oxygen-associated hypercapnia in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and necessitating reintubation.