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

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.