Uniportal Robotic-Assisted Tracheal Resection and Reconstruction Under Spontaneous Ventilation

Background: Tracheal resection and reconstruction for airway tumors are traditionally performed using general anesthesia, tracheal intubation, and thoracotomy. Modern techniques, such as tubeless tracheal surgery and robotic uniportal approaches, offer several advantages including better surgical conditions, reduced postoperative complications, and faster recovery. Case Report: A 42-year-old woman with a tracheal neuroendocrine tumor underwent nonintubated uniportal robotically assisted tracheal resection and reconstruction. Thoracic epidural anesthesia, airway topicalization, and intravenous anesthesia with laryngeal mask airway allowed the procedure to be performed under nonintubated spontaneous ventilation, through a single 3-cm incision. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, with the patient experiencing minimal pain and no nausea or vomiting. Conclusions: Nonintubated uniportal robotically assisted tracheal resection and reconstruction is a feasible, less invasive technique that offers significant benefits in terms of recovery and patient comfort when performed by experienced surgeons.