Single-port robotic surgery for mediastinal tumors using the da vinci SP system: Initial experience

PURPOSE: Studies of single-port robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) using the da Vinci SP system, which uses a smaller surgical incision than the conventional multiport robot, have yet to be reported because of its smaller operating range. We report our initial experience using the da Vinci SP system in thoracic surgery for the resection of mediastinal tumors that requires a smaller workspace. DESCRIPTION: Two patients diagnosed with superior mediastinal tumors underwent RATS performed with the da Vinci SP surgical system in January 2022. We used three-dimensional reconstruction to preoperatively determine the surgical incision. This is the first report of single-port RATS using the SP system in China. EVALUATION: R0 resection was achieved in both operations without complications. Operation times and bleeding volumes were similar to the use of multiport RATS. No perioperative complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The da Vinci SP system can be used for the resection of superior mediastinal tumors. Case selection and preoperative planning should be performed prior to these surgeries.