Robotic-Assisted Complex Pulmonary Resection: Sleeve Lobectomy for Cancer

Abstract

The use of robotic assistance for complex pulmonary resections such as segmentectomy and sleeve lobectomy has steadily increased in recent years. These operations are technically challenging as they require fine dissection and suturing, which is often difficult to perform using traditional minimally invasive techniques. Robotic surgery is well-suited for complex pulmonary surgery given its specific advantages related to superior optics and precise tissue manipulation and dissection. Herein we describe our technique for robotic-assisted complex pulmonary surgery with a specific focus on right upper sleeve lobectomy for cancer, including associated video case demonstration. The principles discussed are generalizable to other complex lung and tracheobronchial operations and highlight the benefits of the robotic platform.

Robotic-assisted left lower-lobe pulmonary lobectomy: Eleven steps

“…Several groups, including our own, have published technical aspects of RATS lobectomy and other complex pulmonary operations. 7 , 8 , 9 The step-by-step technique outlined in this report was developed through the careful adoption and modification of described techniques to achieve a safe and easily reproducible approach to RATS lobectomy as well as to optimize the learning curve.…”

Short-term outcomes of uniportal robotic-assisted thoracic surgery anatomic pulmonary resections: experience of Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital

“…In the field of thoracic surgery, robotic-assisted surgery is most frequently used for major pulmonary resections in patients with pulmonary lesions, such as benign and malignant lung tumors. In most centers, robotic-assisted pulmonary resections have been performed with a multiportal approach, with usually 4-5 ports; this approach has been well described (4)(5)(6)(7)(8). With more advanced technology, progressively more complicated procedures, such as sleeve lobectomies and carinal sleeve resections, have been performed with robotic-assisted surgery (9)(10)(11)(12).…”