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Updated: Jan 25, 2026

Subcostal Specimen Removal in Completely Portal Robotic Lobectomy
Published on: April 19, 2024
Understanding the financial cost of robotic lobectomy: calculating the value of innovation?
Emily Singer1, Peter J Kneuertz1, Desmond M D'Souza1
1Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
Background:
The advantages of a minimally-invasive surgical approach compared to conventional open thoracotomy for lung resection have been previously described. While robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) has shown comparable clinical outcomes for lobectomy as compared with video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), the cost and inherent value associated with the robotic technology remains a main concern.
Methods:
We conducted a systematic review of the literature on the cost of RATS lobectomy using studies published prior to December 2017 on MEDLINE and EMBASE.
Results:
Six observational studies met our inclusion criteria. Median cost of RATS lobectomy ranged from $15,440 to $22,582. Operating room (OR) cost was a major contributing factor to overall cost. The lowest per-procedure cost was reported by the highest volume center. Cost definitions were highly variable among studies. The total cost of RATS was similar or lower to open lobectomy, and higher than that of VATS, with cost difference ranging from $2,901 to $4,708.
Conclusions:
Assessment of cost for RATS lobectomy varies significantly. High OR costs may be offset by improved outcomes as compared with open lobectomy, but currently the costs exceed that of VATS lobectomy. Further work is needed to define the cost and actual value parameters for RATS lobectomy.
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