Anaesthesia for bullectomy. Use of propofol, high frequency jet ventilation and extradural blockade.

A patient with a single large bulla occupying 50% of the right hemithorax was anaesthetised successfully with a combination of techniques not previously described. The technique consisted of extradural analgesia and intravenous infusion of propofol, while ventilation was maintained with high frequency jet ventilation through a single lumen tracheal tube. The advantages of this technique are a reduced risk of barotrauma, good operating conditions and good analgesia.