Clinical Outcomes of Fusion Robot-Assisted Thoracic Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis With Propensity Score Matching

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Robotic Surgery
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Console-only robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) is established.
• Fusion RATS, involving bedside assistant participation, is emerging as an alternative.
• Perioperative outcomes of fusion RATS versus pure RATS require comparative analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare perioperative outcomes between fusion RATS and pure RATS.
• To evaluate the safety and efficiency of fusion RATS.
• To identify potential technical and educational advantages of fusion RATS.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 553 patients undergoing robotic anatomical pulmonary resection.
• 1:2 propensity score matching to create comparable groups (294 patients included).
• Comparison of operative times, console times, and complication rates.

Main Results:

• Fusion RATS demonstrated significantly shorter operative and console times.
• No increase in complication rates was observed with fusion RATS.
• Fusion RATS allowed flexible stapler insertion angles and use of reinforced staplers.

Conclusions:

• Fusion RATS is a practical and safe alternative to pure RATS.
• Fusion RATS offers technical advantages, including flexible stapler use.
• Assistant involvement in fusion RATS provides educational benefits and adaptability.