Initial single-center experience with robot-assisted single-port major pulmonary resection: a retrospective study

Area of Science:

• Thoracic Surgery
• Robotic Surgery
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• The da Vinci Single-Port (SP) system is a robotic platform designed for uniportal surgery.
• Major pulmonary resections are complex procedures often requiring extensive surgical access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the da Vinci SP system for major pulmonary resections.
• To assess the short-term perioperative outcomes of robot-assisted uniportal pulmonary resections.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of patients undergoing lobectomy or segmentectomy using the da Vinci SP system.
• Procedures performed via a single uniportal subcostal incision.
• Primary endpoint: procedural feasibility (completion without conversion or supplemental ports).

Main Results:

• Nine patients with non-small cell lung cancer underwent successful procedures without conversion.
• Complete resection was achieved in all cases, with median operative time of 198 minutes.
• No major complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥ III) occurred; one patient had managed chylothorax.

Conclusions:

• Robot-assisted SP major pulmonary resections are feasible and safe.
• The uniportal subcostal approach shows acceptable short-term postoperative outcomes.
• This technique represents a viable option for selected patients requiring pulmonary resections.