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[Robot-assisted thoracic surgery-Areas of application and limitations]
Thorben Möller1, Jan-Hendrik Egberts2,3
1Klinik für Allgemein‑, Viszeral‑, Thorax‑, Transplantations- und Kinderchirurgie, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel und Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Deutschland.
Robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) is expanding, offering improved minimally invasive options for lung resections and mediastinal tumor removal, surpassing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) limitations. While safety is proven, measurable benefits require further scientific validation.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Robotic Surgery
Background:
- Robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) adoption is increasing.
- RATS overcomes limitations of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).
- Key applications include lung resections and mediastinal tumor removal.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current applications and benefits of RATS.
- To compare RATS with VATS in thoracic procedures.
- To discuss the future evolution of robotic surgery in the thorax.
Main Methods:
- Review of current clinical applications of RATS.
- Comparison of RATS outcomes with VATS.
- Discussion of safety and efficacy data for RATS.
Main Results:
- RATS is increasingly used for anatomical lung resections and mediastinal tumor resection.
- Robot-assisted thymectomy is considered a gold standard.
- RATS enables a larger proportion of patients to undergo minimally invasive procedures compared to VATS.
Conclusions:
- RATS offers advantages over VATS, expanding minimally invasive treatment options.
- The safety of RATS is well-established.
- Further technical advancements are anticipated with new robotic systems.
