Robotic thoracic surgery in inflammatory and infective diseases

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Robotic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Tuberculosis and inflammatory conditions present surgical challenges in endemic regions due to adhesions.
• A robotic thoracic surgery program was established in 2009 using the da Vinci HDSi system.
• The program expanded, acquiring a second robotic system to support multispecialty robotic surgery.

Discussion:

• Robotic surgery provides superior visualization in inflammatory thoracic conditions.
• The da Vinci system facilitates dissection of dense adhesions with reduced blood loss.
• Robotic endowrist articulation enables safe and maximal manipulation, particularly at the thoracic outlet.

Key Insights:

• Robotic platforms enhance the safety and feasibility of complex thoracic resections for tuberculosis, aspergilloma, and inflammatory tumors.
• Sleeve resections and sleeve lobectomies are technically achievable with improved suturing capabilities.
• Robotic thoracic surgery is the preferred approach for complex cases in this endemic setting.

Outlook:

• Continued adoption of robotic platforms for complex thoracic procedures in resource-limited settings.
• Potential for further advancements in robotic technology to address challenging inflammatory and infective thoracic diseases.
• Robotic surgery as a valuable adjunct for thoracic surgeons managing endemic pathologies.