title: Thoracoscopic lobectomy with the da vinci surgical system.
abstract: Thoracoscopic upper lobectomy has been performed with the da Vinci surgical system in human cadavers. A minithoracotomy and two additional thoraco ports provided access to the thoracic cavity. An auxiliary port was used for both retraction of the lung and suction. The pulmonary vessels were ligated by robotic instruments, and the bronchi were divided after suturing robotically or with automatic staplers. A standard lymph node dissection was performed. The current da Vinci surgical system provided superior optics and enhanced dexterity. The application of the system for minimally invasive lobectomy may add benefits for both surgeon and patients.
authors.affiliation: From the Center for Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina (N.I., Y.S.S., L.W.N., W.R.C.); and the Department of General and Cardiothoracic Surgery, Kanazawa University School of Medicine, Kanazawa, Japan (N.I., G.W.).
authors.forename: Norihiko
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ishikawa
authors.forename: You Su
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: L Wiley
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Nifong
authors.forename: Go
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Watanabe
authors.forename: W Randolph
authors.initials: WR
authors.lastname: Chitwood