Robot-assisted resection of multiple lung nodules through combination of intercostal incisions and a subxiphoid incision as a utility port

Introduction: Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) via subxiphoid incision may be superior in resection of multiple lung nodules.

Methods: Outcomes of robot-assisted one-stage bilateral lobectomy or segmentectomy via intercostal and subxiphoid incisions for multiple ground-glass opacities were analysed.

Results: Total 36 cases were analysed in this study. Thirteen cases had bilateral lobectomy + segmentectomy, 15 cases underwent bilateral segmentectomies, and 8 cases underwent lobectomy + segmentectomy + wedge resection. The average intraoperative blood loss was 110.2 ± 57.8 mL, operation time was 154 ± 64.2 min, thoracic draining time was 2.6 ± 3.2 days, and postoperative hospital stay was 4.8 ± 3.3 days. Three patients had atrial fibrillation and 3 patients had continuous air leakage for over 3 days, but there was no death or postoperative pain.

Conclusion: Robot-assisted one-stage bilateral resection of multiple lung nodules through combination of intercostal and subxiphoid incision as a utility port is safe and reliable.