Endoscopic Computer-Enhanced Mediastinal Mass Resection Using Robotic Technology

Background: Robotic technology can be used to facilitate the performance of a variety of cardiac surgical procedures, including internal mammary artery mobilization, atrial septal defect repair, mitral valve repair, and coronary artery bypass grafting. This report describes the use of robotic technology for resection of mediastinal masses.Methods: Two patients underwent mediastinal mass resection performed using the Da Vinci robotic surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Mountain View, CA, USA). The first patient had a 3x4-cm mass located in the left superior-posterior mediastinum, abutting the left subclavian artery. The second patient had a 2.7x1.9-cm mass located in the left chest wall.Results: Both mediastinal masses were successfully excised using a totally endoscopic robotic approach with three 1-cm incisions. Neither case was converted to a thoracotomy or sternotomy. There were no postoperative complications. Both patients were discharged on postoperative day 2.Conclusions: Resection of a mediastinal mass can be performed safely and effectively using robotic technology. By minimizing surgical trauma, this approach is likely to yield a hastened postoperative recovery and improved quality of life.