Robotic assisted thoracic surgery for resection of an esophageal cyst

Abstract

Many centers around the world are now developing robotic surgical programs. The benefit of robotics, particularly in those centers where there is already expertise with minimally invasive surgical techniques, is unclear. We present the case of a 58-year-old man presenting with an esophageal cyst. This was removed using a robotic assisted, VATS (video assisted thoracic surgery) approach. The technical details of the procedure are described. Additionally, a discussion of the relative merits of using a robotic rather than a standard minimally invasive approach is discussed. In a procedure such as the case described, the critical parts of the procedure are focused within a small operative field. We believe that the articulating instrumentation and the 3-dimensional magnified view provided by the robot offers significant advantages over a standard VATS approach.

Robot-assisted thoracic surgery for complex procedures

“…While robotic systems have been widely used in urological and gynecological operations, their application is thoracic surgery is relatively uncommon despite reports in the literature demonstrating their safety and feasibility in performing lobectomies, thymectomies, and esophagectomies (9)(10)(11)(12). We started using RATS with the same indication protocol as for VATS, which has been performed more than 10,000 times in our institute.…”

Oesophageal duplication cysts, a rare cause of neck lump treated by ultrasound guided drainage: case report and review of the literature

“…Whilst the majority of resections undertaken are open, either via laparotomy or thoracotomy, there are isolated cases of resections undertaken via a laparoscopic route [22], robot-assisted resection [25], or even endoscopic approaches [21].…”

Laparoscopic excision of intra-abdominal oesophageal duplication cyst in a child

“…Postoperative complications include oesophageal diverticulum formation and recurrence if complete excision is not done. [5]…”