Initial experience with the da Vinci single-port system in patients with an anterior mediastinal mass

The da Vinci single-port system is a novel robotic system that has gained popularity and demonstrated favourable outcomes in various surgical fields. Nevertheless, its application in thoracic surgery is relatively rare. In this study, we report our initial experiences with the da Vinci single-port system via a subxiphoid approach in patients with an anterior mediastinal mass.

We retrospectively reviewed patients with an anterior mediastinal mass who underwent surgery using the da Vinci single-port system via a subxiphoid approach between October 2020 and April 2024. Clinicopathological, intraoperative, and postoperative data were retrospectively collected.

A total of 14 patients were included in this study. The median age was 55 years (interquartile range 48-62 years), with 4 (28.6%) patients being male. All patients underwent complete resection without conversion to multiport or open surgery. The median operation time was 135 min (interquartile range 113-155 min). Nine (64.3%) patients were diagnosed with thymoma, and 2 (14.3%) patients had myasthenia gravis. The median pathologic size of the mass was 32.5 mm (interquartile range 25.3-38.0 mm), and the median peak Numerical Rating Scale score was 3 (interquartile range 2-4). The median duration of chest drainage and hospital stay were 2 (interquartile range 1-3) and 3 (interquartile range 2-3) days, respectively. No complications were reported following surgery.

The da Vinci single-port system for anterior mediastinal mass was deemed safe and feasible. To expand indications in thoracic surgery, further accumulation of experience and additional technological advancements are necessary.