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Review
. 2024 Feb 29;16(2):1521-1536.
doi: 10.21037/jtd-23-1570. Epub 2024 Jan 23.

Tackling complex thoracic surgical operations with robotic solutions: a narrative review

Ayham M Odeh  1   2 , Kody Wyant  1   2 , Richard K Freeman  1   2 , Zaid M Abdelsattar  1   2   3
Affiliations
Review

Tackling complex thoracic surgical operations with robotic solutions: a narrative review

Ayham M Odeh et al. J Thorac Dis. .

Abstract

Background and objective: The adoption of robotic surgery for general thoracic surgery has rapidly progressed over the last two decades from its application in basic operations to complex pathologies. As such, the purpose of this narrative review is to highlight the collective experience of tackling complex thoracic surgical operations with minimally invasive robotic solutions.

Methods: Electronic searches of PubMed were conducted for each subtopic, using specific keywords and inclusion criteria. Once identified, the articles were screened through the abstract, introduction, results and conclusion for relevancy, and included based on a standard narrative review inclusion criteria.

Key content and findings: The role of the robotic approach has increased in thoracic outlet syndrome, chest wall resection, tracheobronchomalacia, airway and sleeve lung surgery, lobectomy after neoadjuvant therapy, complex segmentectomy, giant paraesophageal hernia repair, esophagectomy and esophageal enucleation, mediastinal masses and thymectomy and lung transplantation. Robotic surgery has several advantages when compared to video-assisted and open thoracoscopic surgery. These include better pain control and aesthetic outcome, improved handling of complex anatomy, enhanced access to lymph nodes, and faster recovery rates. Although it is associated with longer operative time, robotic surgery has comparable morbidity rates.

Conclusions: The robotic approach to complex thoracic problems is safe, effective, and associated with improved patient outcomes. To encourage wider adoption of robotic technology, increased training and expanded research efforts are essential, alongside improved worldwide access to this technology.

Keywords: Robotic surgery; narrative review; surgical outcomes; thoracic surgery.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://jtd.amegroups.com/article/view/10.21037/jtd-23-1570/coif). Z.M.A. serves as an unpaid editorial board member of Journal of Thoracic Disease from December 2023 to November 2025. The other authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
T3 lung adenocarcinoma with en-bloc resection of chest wall via entirely robotic approach.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Large type 4 paraesophageal hernia approached via robotic repair.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Posterior mediastinal mass resected via left sided robotic approach.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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