Background

The effect of two lung ventilation (TLV) with carbon dioxide artificial pneumothorax on cerebral desaturation and postoperative neurocognitive changes in elderly patients undergoing elective minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is unclear.

Objectives

The first aim of this study was to compare the effect of TLV and one lung ventilation (OLV) on cerebral desaturation. The second aim was to assess changes in early postoperative cognitive outcomes of two ventilation methods.

Methods

This prospective, randomized, controlled trial enrolled patients 65 and older scheduled for MIE. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to TLV group or OLV group. The primary outcome was the incidence of cerebral desaturation events (CDE). Secondary outcomes were the cumulative area under the curve of desaturation for decreases in regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO₂) values below 20% relative to the baseline value (AUC.20) and the incidence of delayed neurocognitive recovery.

Results

Fifty-six patients were recruited between November 2019 and August 2020. TLV group had a lower incidence of CDE than OLV group [3 (10.71%) vs. 13 (48.14%), P = 0.002]. TLV group had a lower AUC.20 [0 (0–35.86) % min vs. 0 (0–0) % min, P = 0.007], and the incidence of delayed neurocognitive recovery [2 (7.4%) vs. 11 (40.7%), P = 0.009] than OLV group. Predictors of delayed neurocognitive recovery on postoperative day 7 were age (OR 1.676, 95% CI 1.122 to 2.505, P = 0.006) and AUC.20 (OR 1.059, 95% CI 1.025 to 1.094, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Compared to OLV, TLV had a lower incidence of CDE and delayed neurocognitive recovery in elderly patients undergoing MIE. The method of TLV combined with carbon dioxide artificial pneumothorax may be an option for these elderly patients.

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (identifier: ChiCTR1900027454).