Our Summary

This research paper discusses the use of robotic surgery in the field of thoracic (chest) surgery. While robotic surgery has been adopted faster in other fields like urology, gynecology, and digestive surgery, it has been slower in thoracic surgery. Despite this, the paper presents the results of a program that used robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) at one institution from 2012 to 2020.

Over this period, the use of RATS increased by an average of 55% every year. The most common surgeries performed using RATS were lobectomies (removal of a section of the lung), wedge resections (removal of a wedge-shaped piece of tissue), and segmentectomies (removal of part of an organ). The time a surgery took and the length of the patients’ hospital stays decreased as the team performed more procedures, suggesting they were becoming more skilled and efficient at using RATS.

The success of the program was also linked to having adequate resources, strong leadership, a motivated surgical team, proper training, and regular data collection and analysis. These factors also led to a reduction in costs. In simple terms, the paper shows that the increased use of robots can improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of thoracic surgeries, as long as the surgical team is well-supported and properly trained.

FAQs

  1. What are the advantages of robotic surgery in thoracic procedures?
  2. Why has the adoption of robotic technology been slower in thoracic surgery compared to other specialties?
  3. What procedures were most frequently performed using robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) from 2012 to 2020 at your institution?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about thoracic surgery is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and avoiding strenuous activities to ensure a successful recovery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for thoracic surgery include those with lung cancer, esophageal cancer, benign tumors in the chest, lung infections, empyema, chest wall deformities, pleural effusions, hyperhidrosis, and other thoracic conditions. Additionally, patients who have not responded well to non-surgical treatments may be recommended for thoracic surgery as a last resort.

Timeline

Before thoracic surgery:

  1. Initial consultation with a thoracic surgeon to discuss the need for surgery and potential risks and benefits.
  2. Pre-operative testing and evaluation to assess the patient’s overall health and fitness for surgery.
  3. Education and preparation for surgery, including instructions on fasting, medications, and post-operative care.
  4. Consent signing for the surgery.
  5. Anesthesia induction and positioning on the operating table.

After thoracic surgery:

  1. Recovery in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) for monitoring and pain management.
  2. Transfer to a hospital room for further recovery and monitoring.
  3. Physical therapy and breathing exercises to prevent complications such as pneumonia and blood clots.
  4. Gradual increase in activity and diet as tolerated.
  5. Discharge planning and instructions for at-home care and follow-up appointments.
  6. Follow-up visits with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of thoracic surgery procedure do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How experienced are you in performing robotic-assisted thoracic surgery?
  4. What is the expected recovery time after the surgery?
  5. Will I need any additional treatments or therapies after the surgery?
  6. How will my pain be managed during and after the surgery?
  7. What are the success rates for this type of surgery in treating my condition?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options available to me?
  9. Will I need any special preparation or tests before the surgery?
  10. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Herrera L, Escalon J, Johnston M, Sanchez A, Sanchez R, Mogollon I. Journal: J Robot Surg. 2023 Apr;17(2):405-411. doi: 10.1007/s11701-022-01430-9. Epub 2022 Jun 22. PMID: 35732918