Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery: left upper lobe sleeve lobectomy for an endobronchial tumour

Pulmonary sleeve resection is a technically challenging procedure entailing expertise to perform via a minimally invasive approach. Robotic thoracic surgery with its three-dimensional high-definition imaging and true depth perception enables clarity of anatomical structures and, in conjunction with its articulated instruments, provides greater dexterity compared with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, allowing complex manoeuvres in limited spaces. We present the case of a 22-year-old woman who presented with recurrent chest infections, dyspnoea on exertion, cough, loss of appetite and weight loss. On investigation, she was diagnosed with an endobronchial neuroendocrine tumour. She underwent a robotic-assisted left upper lobe sleeve lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection. The patient made a good recovery with no perioperative or postoperative complications. This case serves as an educational tool and includes instructions for excellent results.