Robotic Thoracic Surgery

In some cases, such as first rib resections or simple tumors of the chest wall, robotic surgery can be used.

Robotic surgery can repair and reconstruct a damaged diaphragm, which can occur because of trauma or congenital conditions.

Robotic-assisted esophagectomy is used to treat esophageal cancer. This surgery involves removing part or all of the esophagus and its reconstruction.

This is a complex operation, requiring advanced skills. Our team at Baptist MD Anderson is one of the few groups in Northeast Florida offering this procedure.

This procedure involves the removal of the pleura (the lining around the lungs) and any associated scar tissue. Pleurectomy and decortication is often used to treat conditions like chest cavity infections.

Segmentectomy preserves more lung tissue compared to lobectomy. This procedure involves the removal of a part of a lung lobe while preserving as much healthy lung tissue as possible. Recent data supports this approach to be equivalent to traditional lobectomy.

Taking a lung “segment” is complex surgery however, saving as much of the lung as possible is best for patients. Our team of surgeons perform segmental resections using robot-assisted thoracic surgery routinely. We are one of the only groups to offer this to patients in Northeast Florida.

Robotic sympathectomy is used to treat conditions like hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) by interrupting the sympathetic nerve signals.

Thymectomy is the surgical removal of the thymus gland and is often performed to treat conditions like thymoma or myasthenia gravis.

This procedure involves the removal of a portion of the trachea (windpipe) and its reconstruction, often to treat tracheal tumors or stenosis (narrowing).

This procedure involves the removal of a small, wedge-shaped portion of a lung lobe. Wedge resection is often performed to remove a localized tumor or lesion.

Robotic thoracic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical approach that uses specialized robotic systems to perform procedures within the chest, such as lung or esophageal surgery.

Robotic thoracic surgery uses small incisions and a robotic-assisted system to perform surgery with enhanced precision. Traditional surgery typically involves larger incisions.

You may need robotic thoracic surgery to treat conditions like lung cancer, esophageal cancer, lung nodules, or other thoracic disorders when less invasive procedures are not suitable.

Robotic thoracic surgery is generally safe and associated with fewer complications than traditional open surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the specific risks and benefits based on your condition.

Benefits include smaller incisions, less pain, reduced scarring, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and improved precision during surgery.

Recovery times vary depending on the procedure and the patient's overall health. In many cases, patients can return to their normal activities within a few days.

Eligibility depends on your specific medical condition, overall health, and other factors. Your care team will evaluate your case and discuss your options.

Your medical team will provide instructions on when to stop eating and drinking, arrival time, and what to expect during the surgery day.

The duration of the procedure can vary based on the complexity of the surgery, but it is generally shorter than traditional open surgery.

While the risks are typically lower than with open surgery, potential complications can include infection, bleeding, or reactions to anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss these in detail.

Robotic surgery involves smaller incisions, which often result in less noticeable scars compared to open surgery.

Your Baptist MD Anderson care team will provide detailed instructions on pre-surgery preparations, which may include dietary guidelines and medication adjustments.

Yes, follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring your recovery and ensuring that the surgical outcome is as expected.

Your surgeon will discuss all available treatment options with you, which may include traditional surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other less invasive procedures.