Robotic approach to benign mediastinal lesions

Abstract

Background: This study aims to report our experience regarding benign mediastinal lesions excised with robotic surgical system. Methods: Medical records of 14 patients (11 males, 3 females; mean age 39 years; range 20 to 76 years) with mediastinal lesion who were performed robotic excision between January 2014 and June 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. All patients’ age, sex, indication of surgical treatment, histopathologic diagnosis, variables of robotic surgery, postoperative complications, and duration of hospital stay were recorded. Results: No patient required conversion to open surgery. Mean console time was 71 minutes (range 10 to 140 minutes). Chest tubes were removed within two days (range 1 to 5 days) after surgery. Mean duration of hospital stay was three days. Vocal cord paralysis due to right recurrent laryngeal nerve injury occurred in one patient. Conclusion: Excision of benign mediastinal lesions with robotic approach is a feasible, safe, and effective method. We recommend thoracic surgeons, especially the ones in learning curve period, to prefer right sided approach for the excision of radiologically benign mediastinal lesions.