The term “robotic” can be misleading, as it is not a robot that performs the procedure. Instead, a surgeon uses surgical instruments that they guide via a console, meaning that the procedure is robotic-assisted.

Robotic-assisted surgery is much less invasive than open chest surgery, so it has various recovery-related benefits and fewer risks.

In this article, we examine robotic-assisted surgery for lung cancer, looking at how it works and the different types. We also discuss the benefits and risks of robotic-assisted surgery.

How the procedure works

During robotic-assisted surgery, a surgeon sits at a console and makes small cuts through which the operation takes place. They then insert a camera and miniature surgical instruments into the area of the lung cancer. The console transmits the camera’s 360-degree view of the surgical field.

Types of robotic surgery for lung cancer

Surgeons may use robotic technology for three types of lung cancer surgery. These include:

1. Lobectomy: This term refers to the removal of the entire affected lobe of the lung.
2. Wedge resection: This procedure involves the removal of the tumor, along with a small wedge of the healthy lung tissue surrounding it.
3. Segmentation: In this procedure, the surgeon removes more tissue than during the wedge resection but less tissue than in the lobectomy.

Research Trusted Source comparing the outcomes of people with small cell lung cancer following the three types of surgery found a link between lobectomy and higher survival rates. Among the participants for whom a lobectomy was not suitable, the outcomes were better with segmentation than with wedge resection.

Lobectomy may result in better outcomes, but not everyone can have this procedure. For example, the authors of one study note that doctors may recommend either a wedge resection or segmentation for people with limited lung reserve or early stage lung cancer. These two options are called sublobar resections.

Holding the console controls, the surgeon makes small hand movements. The system translates these into tiny movements by the surgical instruments inside the lungs. Finally, the surgeon removes lung tissue through one of the cuts along with the surgical instruments.

A doctor will consider a person’s condition and medical history before deciding whether robotic-assisted surgery is a suitable option for them.

A person could be a candidate for this type of surgery if their tumor is close to the outside of the lungs and not attached to blood vessels.

Benefits

As robotic-assisted surgery is minimally invasive, it has several benefits. These include:

• a shorter hospital stay
• quicker recovery
• less pain
• fewer complications
• less blood loss
• smaller scars
• no cutting of the breastbone or ribs

However, everyone who has robotic-assisted surgery will respond differently. A person’s response will depend on several factors, such as their medical history and the type of lung cancer.