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Endoscopic computer-enhanced mediastinal mass resection using robotic technology
Jeffrey A Morgan1, Takushi Kohmoto, Craig R Smith
1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. Jm2240@columbia.edu
Background:
Robotic technology can be used to facilitate the performance of a variety of cardiac surgical procedures, including internal mammary artery mobilization, atrial septal defect repair, mitral valve repair, and coronary artery bypass grafting. This report describes t h e use of robotic technology for resection of mediastinal masses.
Methods:
Two patients underwent mediastinal mass resection performed using the Da Vinci robotic surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Mountain View, CA, USA). The first patient had a 3 x 4-cm mass located in the left superiorposterior mediastinum, abutting the left subclavian artery. The second patient had a 2.7 x 1.9-cm mass located in the left chest wall.
Results:
Both mediastinal masses were successfully excised using a totally endoscopic robotic approach with three 1-cm incisions. Neither case was converted to a thoracotomy or sternotomy. There were no postoperative complications. Both patients were discharged on postoperative day 2.
Conclusions:
Resection of a mediastinal mass ca n be performed safely and effectively using robotic technology. By minimizing surgical trauma, this approach is likely to yield a hastened postoperative recovery and improved quality of life.
