Background: While robotic technology is gaining popularity in cardiac surgery, it also is being used to facilitate thoracoscopic procedures, such as insertion of phrenic pacemakers and resection of mediastinal masses. This report describes the use of robotic technology in performing thoracoscopic lobectomy.
Methods: One patient underwent a left lower lobectomy with the da Vinci robotic surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Mountain View, CA, USA). With 3 1-cm port incisions and a 4-cm minithoracotomy in the left chest, visualization of the pertinent anatomy was excellent. Standard lymph node dissection was performed. The specimen was removed through the 4-cm minithoracotomy incision.
Results: Pathologic examination revealed mucinous adenocarcinoma. The margins of the specimen were negative, and there was no vascular or bronchial invasion. The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged to home on postoperative day 5.
Conclusion: Robotic technology enhances visualization and instrument dexterity during thoracoscopic intrathoracic procedures. This technology can be used to facilitate development of minimally invasive thoracic approaches.