This study is designed as a prospective observational cohort to evaluate recovery after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). In our clinic, anesthesia for VATS is commonly provided either with target-controlled infusion (TCI) or with inhalational agents, depending on the routine practice of the anesthesiologist. No randomization or additional intervention will be performed.

During the study period, patients who receive either method as part of standard care will be followed, and perioperative and postoperative data will be recorded. Awakening time, extubation time, Aldrete score progression, pain levels, and early postoperative complications will be compared between the two groups. The aim is to better understand how these widely used anesthesia techniques may influence recovery in VATS patients and to support future clinical decision-making.

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.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 18 to 65 years

Patients scheduled for elective video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS)

ASA physical status I-III

Able to provide informed consent

Planned postoperative recovery in PACU and surgical ward

Exclusion Criteria:

• ASA IV or higher

Hemodynamic or respiratory instability before surgery

Known allergy or contraindication to commonly used anesthetic agents

Neurological or psychiatric conditions that may interfere with recovery assessment

Emergency surgeries

Patients who decline participation

The study population consists of adult patients undergoing elective video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) at our institution. In routine practice, anesthesia for these procedures is provided either with target-controlled infusion (TCI) or with inhalational agents, according to the preference of the attending anesthesiologist. Patients between 18 and 65 years of age who meet the clinical criteria for VATS and are able to give informed consent will be included. Individuals with significant cardiorespiratory instability, ASA IV or higher, or conditions that may interfere with postoperative assessment will not be enrolled.

Individual participant data will not be shared because the study involves routinely collected clinical information, and the dataset contains sensitive patient details that cannot be made publicly available. All data will be used only within the study team and stored according to institutional privacy policies.