Robotic lobectomy in lung cancer: early results

Background: This study aims to review the role of robotic system in minimal invasive lung cancer resections, its early oncological results, and further expectations. Methods: Between June 2010 and January 2013, the duration of surgery, length of hospital stay, complications, and pathological results of 11 patients who underwent robotic-assisted resection with the diagnosis of lung cancer in our clinic were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Open surgery was not switched in any patient and all dissections were finished without rib spreaders. The mean operative time was 253 (150-295) minutes. The mean number of dissected lymph node station was five in each patient. The only complication was prolonged air leak in one patient. No procedure-related mortality was observed. The mean hospital stay was 6.1 days. Pathological examination showed an adenocarcinoma predominance as the most common tumor type in this patient group (n=9). Tumor size was ranging between 1.8-4.5 cm. The mean number of dissected lymph nodes was 16 in each patient. Conclusion: Robotic lobectomies in patients with lung cancer are technically feasible and oncological results seem promising, despite a limited number of patients.