The patients in this group underwent general anaesthesia with total intravenous anesthesia containing Remifentanyl (0,3 mg/kg ideal body weight/h), Propofol (4 mg/kg ideal body weight/h) and Atracurium.

They also received 40mg/kg ideal body weight magnesium sulphate by bolus injection before the operation started, followed by a continuous application of 10mg/kg ideal body weight/hour for 24 hours.

The patients in this group underwent general anaesthesia with total intravenous anesthesia containing Remifentanyl (0,3 mg/kg ideal body weight/h), Propofol (4 mg/kg ideal body weight/h) and Atracurium. They received no additional medication.

Continuous application of magnesium sulphate applied 40 mg/kg ideal body weight by bolus before the operation started, followed by a continuous infusion of 10 mg/kg ideal body weight/h for 24 hours

The incidence of atrial fibrillation was recorded using a 12 lead ECG for a period of 7 days after operation

The incidence of neuropathic pain was recorded using the LANSS Score during a period of three months after posterolateral thoracotomy for lung resection.

The incidence of hypotonia during the time of continuous magnesium sulphate application was recorded.