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Initial experience with robotic-assisted thoracic surgery for superior mediastinal masses
Bo Yang1, Ruiji Chen2, Chengrun Li1
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese General Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China.
Frontiers in Surgery
|January 23, 2023
Summary
Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) is a safe and feasible approach for resecting superior mediastinal masses. Further research is needed to address the high incidence of postoperative Horner's syndrome following RATS procedures.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Robotic Surgery
Background:
- Superior mediastinal masses present surgical challenges, particularly those near the chest outlet.
- Minimally invasive techniques are sought to improve outcomes for these complex cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility and safety of robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) for superior mediastinal mass resection.
- To assess the outcomes and complications associated with RATS in this patient cohort.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 35 patients who underwent RATS for superior mediastinal masses between June 2015 and January 2020.
- Data collected included operative time, blood loss, pathological diagnoses, conversion rates, morbidity, mortality, and costs.
Main Results:
- RATS demonstrated no conversions or mortality. Common pathologies included schwannoma and ganglioneuroma. Mean operative time was 117 minutes, with minimal blood loss.
- Postoperative complications included Horner's syndrome (18 cases), muscle weakness (2 cases), and chylothorax (2 cases).
Conclusions:
- Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery is a safe and feasible option for resecting superior mediastinal masses.
- The high incidence of postoperative Horner's syndrome warrants further investigation and management strategies.
