[The Current Status and Future of Robot-assisted Thoracic Surgery]

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• Robotic surgery is increasingly adopted for thoracic procedures.
• Conventional open surgery and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) are established methods.
• The specific benefits of robotic surgery in standard lung cancer cases require further evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the authors' current robotic surgery technique for lung cancer.
• To discuss the current status, challenges, and future directions of robotic thoracic surgery.
• To highlight the potential of skilled robotic surgeons in complex cases.

Main Methods:

• Robotic surgery performed since September 2018, with over 70 cases.
• Development of a manual for patient safety and team communication.
• Focus on surgeon's 3D camera control and effective use of retraction arms.

Main Results:

• Robotic surgery is beneficial for highly difficult pulmonary and mediastinal tumors.
• Benefits for standard lung cancer cases are less pronounced compared to VATS.
• Skilled surgeons with advanced robotic skills demonstrate high success rates.

Conclusions:

• Robotic surgery is a viable option for complex thoracic tumors.
• Careful patient selection and surgeon expertise are crucial for successful robotic lung cancer surgery.
• Further advancements and standardized protocols are needed for broader adoption in thoracic surgery.