Early extubation after transthoracic oesophagectomy

Abstract

OBJECTIVE. To assess patient outcome following transthoracic (Ivor-Lewis) oesophagectomy and the effects of epidural analgesia and early extubation compared with overnight sedation and ventilation.

DESIGN. Retrospective study.

SETTING. University teaching hospital, Hong Kong.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS. A retrospective review of patients undergoing oesophagectomy during two periods, 1990 to 1994 (n=65) and 1995 to 1998 (n=83), was completed. In the latter period, factors associated with early extubation were also evaluated.

RESULTS. Between 1990 and 1994, only three (4.6%) of 65 patients were extubated early compared with 34 (41.0%) of 83 patients between 1995 and 1998 (P

CONCLUSION. After transthoracic oesophagectomy, early extubation is safe and can lead to a shorter stay in the intensive care unit. Epidural analgesia appears to facilitate early extubation.