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 t h e 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 3 x 4-cm mass located in the left superiorposterior mediastinum, abutting the left subclavian artery. The second patient had a 2.7 x 1.9-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 ca n 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.
Morgan
Jeffrey A
JA
Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA. Jm2240@columbia.edu
Kohmoto
Takushi
T
Smith
Craig R
CR
Oz
Mehmet C
MC
Argenziano
Michael
M
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008479:Mediastinal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009442:Neurilemmoma / Q000601:surgery*; D009455:Neurofibroma / Q000601:surgery*; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D013906:Thoracoscopy / Q000379:methods*