Robotic Mediastinal Surgery

The robot can be thought of as an advanced thor-acoscopic instrument, and therefore nearly all pa-thology that can be approached VATS or minimally invasively can be approached robotically. This is undoubtedly the case for mediastinal disease, and ultimately the choice for utilizing a robotic technique comes down to surgeon training and comfort. Here we demonstrate that the robotic approach can be used for benign and malignant pathology in all mediastinal compartments, with equivalent if not superior outcomes to sternotomy in many measures. The specific robotic approach to masses in different mediastinal locations will depend on the location of the lesion based on pre-operative imaging. Further studies will need to be performed to determine the best MIS techniques or robotic approach for thymectomy and other mediastinal diseases. Nevertheless, it remains a valuable tool in the thoracic surgeon's toolbox for treating mediastinal disease.

Automated summary

The robot can be used for both benign and malignant mediastinal diseases, with outcomes that are equivalent or superior to sternotomy. The specific robotic approach depends on the location of the lesion based on pre-operative imaging. Further studies are needed to determine the best techniques for thymectomy and other mediastinal diseases. Nevertheless, the robot remains a valuable tool for thoracic surgeons in treating mediastinal disease.