Resection of supernumerary intrathoracic rib using robotic-assisted video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

A supernumerary intrathoracic rib is a very rare congenital thoracic abnormality that is typically a benign incidental finding. However, in rare cases, they may cause pain, pneumothorax, and injury to surrounding viscus. We report a case of a supernumerary intrathoracic rib causing increasing chest pain diagnosed by computed tomography using three-dimensional reconstructions. The patient underwent robotic-assisted video-assisted thoracoscopic resection of the intrathoracic rib located in her left thorax. The rib was resected without complication, and the patient was discharged from the telemetry unit on post-operative day two. Upon discharge, there was complete resolution of her preoperative symptoms.