Robotic-assisted wire saw resection of high-position rib tumors: a single-center experience

BACKGROUND: Rib tumors are typically curable through rib resection, associated with an excellent prognosis. Although transthoracic robotic first rib resection for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) has been previously documented, this paper presents our experience and technique in conducting robotic-assisted wire saw resections for high-position rib tumors. METHODS: From January 2019 to May 2022, five patients diagnosed with high-position rib tumors underwent robotic-assisted wire saw resections. For our entire portal approach, we employed two 8-mm working ports, a 12-mm camera port, and a 12-mm assistant port. Data regarding the short-term and clinical long-term treatment effects were collected. RESULTS: The median operation time was 124.2 minutes (range, 87–185 minutes), with no observed complications. The average intraoperative blood loss was 185 mL (range, 85–410 mL). Chest tubes were typically removed between 1 and 3 days post-operation. The average hospital stay post-surgery was 2.8 days, with a range of 2–5 days. We observed no relevant intraoperative or postoperative complications. No recurrence was reported during routine follow-ups 12 months post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the technique of robotic-assisted wire saw resection for high-position rib tumors is both feasible and reliable. This provides valuable insights for surgeons to consider robotic-assisted resection for high-position rib tumors.