AIM: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive therapy for pulmonary malignant cancers in patients with medical co-morbidities or refusal of surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate a conscious analgosedation protocol for RFA of lung neoplasm. METHODS: Ten RFAs were performed. Following analgesic premedication patients underwent local anesthesia (lidocaine 2%) and propofol infusion. RESULTS: The procedures were always uneventful. Postoperative severe pain was not reported; a deep sedation was required to allow the quick and safe management of RFA. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous breathing sedation is safe in monitored and well-oxygenated patients and may limit the incidence of tension pneumothorax. Postoperative period needs a proper pain control for the first 24 h. Data on the long-term efficacy of lung tumor RFA are not yet available.
AIM: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive therapy for pulmonary malignant cancers in patients with medical co-morbidities or refusal of surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate a conscious analgosedation protocol for RFA of lung neoplasm. METHODS: Ten RFAs were performed. Following analgesic premedication patients underwent local anesthesia (lidocaine 2%) and propofol infusion. RESULTS: The procedures were always uneventful. Postoperative severe pain was not reported; a deep sedation was required to allow the quick and safe management of RFA. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous breathing sedation is safe in monitored and well-oxygenated patients and may limit the incidence of tension pneumothorax. Postoperative period needs a proper pain control for the first 24 h. Data on the long-term efficacy of lung tumor RFA are not yet available.