The techniques of minimally invasive therapy (MIT) are becoming widely
applicable for a wide range of surgical procedures including local tu
mour surgery. In order to realize the potential benefits of MIT proced
ures for tumour surgery, namely less trauma, reduction of postoperativ
e pain, reduced impairment of postoperative pulmonary function, a shor
ter hospital stay and an earlier return to normal activities, the anae
sthesiologist should bear the following points in mind: careful pre-op
erative patient assessment, adequate intra-operative monitoring, an ap
propriate anaesthetic technique, safe patient positioning, a knowledge
of the potential risks of gas insufflation, and adequate postanaesthe
sia care. Anaesthetic management includes monitored anaesthetic care f
or local anaesthesia, sedation and sedo-analgesia, including spinal or
epidural anaesthesia, or general anaesthesia, depending on the route
of access, duration of the procedure, pre-operative findings and patie
nt compliance.