Single-port robotic system approach for pulmonary lobectomy: our technique and preliminary results

This study evaluates safety of SP robotic anatomic lung resection for primary lung cancer, and the perioperative outcomes in our early clinical experience. From March 2025 to March 2026, 14 consecutive patients with lung cancer underwent SP robotic lobectomy and systematic lymphadenectomy using da Vinci SP system via subcostal approach. All 14lobectomies (7 right upper, 5 right lower, and 2 middle lobectomy) were completed without conversion or intraoperative complications. Median operative time was 176 min (120-220 min). Twelve patients had adenocarcinoma with pathological stage IA1 in 4 (33.3%) patients, IA2 in 4 (33.3%) patients and stage IB in 4 (33.3%) patients; two patients had typical carcinoid tumor with pathological stage IB. No postoperative complications occurred. Median chest tube duration was 2 days (range 2-6), with median hospital stay of 3 days (3-7). SP robotic lung resection using da Vinci SP system via a subcostal approach demonstrates feasibility, safety, and favorable perioperative outcomes as well as adequate lymphadenectomy. Further multi-institutional studies with longer oncologic follow-up are needed.