A successful case of robotic bronchoplastic lobectomy for lung cancer

Abstract

We performed robotic bronchoplastic upper lobectomy for squamous cell carcinoma of the right hilum of the lung. The patient was a 56-year-old male and surgery was performed using 3 robotic arms and 1 assistance. Deeply wide wedge resection and interrupted suture were applied to the bronchus of the upper lobe. The pathological stage was pT1bN1M0, IIA. Chest drain tube was removed on postoperative day 2 and no postoperative respiratory complication occurred. The key for success of this procedure is accustoming to robotic manipulation, especially suturing technique because of the absence of a tactile sense.