Robotic video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery using multiport triangular trocar configuration: initial experience at a...

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Robotic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Robotic technology advancements are transforming thoracoscopic surgery.
• Limited data exists on robotic video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (r-VATS) procedural experience and outcomes.
• This study presents initial single-center experience with r-VATS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a modified r-VATS approach.
• To document procedural details and outcomes for various thoracic operations.
• To assess the feasibility of r-VATS in a single center.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 142 patients undergoing modified r-VATS from July 2018 to January 2020.
• Utilized a modified multiport trocar arrangement based on surgical type.
• Collected peri- and postoperative outcomes, including operative time, complications, and hospital stay.

Main Results:

• 142 patients underwent diverse procedures including lobectomy, thymectomy, and mediastinal tumor resection.
• Median operative time was 110 minutes, and median hospital stay was 5 days.
• Conversion to open surgery occurred in only 2.1% of cases, with no postoperative complications or mortality.

Conclusions:

• The modified r-VATS method is safe and effective for various thoracic operations.
• Thoracic surgeons require adequate training for transitioning to r-VATS.
• Further research is needed to refine trocar configurations for routine clinical adoption.