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NCT Number: NCT07288099

Target-Controlled Infusion (TCI) vs Inhalational Anesthesia in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)

This study is designed as a prospective observational cohort to evaluate recovery after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). In our clinic, anesthesia for VATS is commonly provided either with target-controlled infusion (TCI) or with inhalational agents, depending on the routine practice of the anesthesiologist. No randomization or additional intervention will be performed.

During the study period, patients who receive either method as part of standard care will be followed, and perioperative and postoperative data will be recorded. Awakening time, extubation time, Aldrete score progression, pain levels, and early postoperative complications will be compared between the two groups. The aim is to better understand how these widely used anesthesia techniques may influence recovery in VATS patients and to support future clinical decision-making.

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Key information

Conditions

Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) Anesthesia Techniques General Anesthesia Postoperative Recovery Thoracic Surgery, Video Assisted

Age range

18 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

mert katılmış, medical doctor

CONTACT

[email protected]

+905346430560

About this study

This study is planned as a prospective observational cohort carried out in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). In routine practice at our institution, anesthesia for these operations is provided either with target-controlled infusion (TCI)-based total intravenous anesthesia or with inhalational agents. The study will not change the type of anesthesia given to any patient. The method used will depend entirely on the attending anesthesiologist's usual clinical choice.

Patients receiving either technique during the study period will be followed, and perioperative variables will be documented. These include basic demographic data, intraoperative hemodynamic changes, duration of anesthesia, administered drug doses, and oxygenation parameters. Postoperative recovery will be assessed mainly through awakening and extubation times, Aldrete scores, sedation assessments, pain scores, and early complications such as nausea and vomiting.

The purpose of this observational design is to compare the two commonly used anesthesia approaches as they are applied in real clinical practice. By examining postoperative recovery patterns and any differences between groups, the study aims to provide practical information that may help guide anesthesia selection in VATS procedures. No additional risk or intervention will be introduced, and all patient data will be collected in accordance with routine clinical monitoring.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Adults aged 18 to 65 years

Patients scheduled for elective video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)

ASA physical status I-III

Able to provide informed consent

Planned postoperative recovery in PACU and surgical ward

Exclusion criteria

  • ASA IV or higher

Hemodynamic or respiratory instability before surgery

Known allergy or contraindication to commonly used anesthetic agents

Neurological or psychiatric conditions that may interfere with recovery assessment

Emergency surgeries

Patients who decline participation

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. Extubation Time

    Time frame: Up to 30 minutes after the end of surgery

    Time from discontinuation of anesthesia to removal of the endotracheal tube. Extubation time will be recorded routinely in the operating room as part of standard postoperative monitoring.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Awakening Time

    Time frame: Up to 20 minutes after surgery

    Time from the end of anesthesia to the patient's first response to verbal command (eye opening or hand squeeze), recorded routinely in the operating room.

  2. Aldrete Score Progression

    Time frame: PACU stay, up to 1 hour

    Aldrete scores will be recorded at standard intervals in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) to evaluate early recovery. The time needed to reach an Aldrete score of 9 will be compared between groups.

  3. Postoperative Pain Score (NRS)

    Time frame: First hour after PACU admission

    Numeric Rating Scale (0-10) will be used to assess postoperative pain at PACU admission and during the early postoperative period.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

mert katılmış, md

CONTACT

[email protected]

+905346430560

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Prospective Observational Cohort Study Comparing Recovery Profiles After Target-Controlled Infusion Versus Inhalational Anesthesia in Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery

Acronym: TCI-INHALE

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Dec 17, 2025
Registry last updated
Jun 15, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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