Robot-assisted Mediastinal Surgery

Because of the many important anatomical structures located closely together at very small distances, mediastinal surgery has been traditionally demanding and challenging within thoracic surgery. With their great variability, mediastinal masses in the anterior, middle or posterior mediastinal compartment result in surgical indications with different principle focuses. The technical opportunities of robotic assistance can thereby most effectively support the requirement of precision for all oncological aspects. Anterior mediastinal operations are most often performed, thymectomy being the most common operation. The radicality of thymectomy is of special importance. The worldwide tremendous development of robot-assisted mediastinal surgery confirms its initial and continuous role as a pacemaker for minimally invasive thoracic surgery.

Automated summary

Due to the complexity of anatomical structures in close proximity, mediastinal surgery has always been a challenging field in thoracic surgery. The technical advantages of robotic assistance provide precise support for oncological aspects. Thymectomy is the most common anterior mediastinal operation and its radicality is of great importance. The remarkable development of robot-assisted mediastinal surgery globally confirms its role as a pioneer in minimally invasive thoracic surgery.