Ann Thorac Surg 2005;79:455
© 2005 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons
INVITED COMMENTARY
Stephen R. Hazelrigg, MD
Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, PO Box 19638, 800 N Rutledge St, Room D319, Springfield, IL 62794-9638
This article addresses the use of robotic technology for thymic resection. This technology adds to the already debated topic of the best surgical route for thymic resection. I believe the main question to be answered with regard to this article is whether robotics adds significantly to a thoracoscopic thymectomy.
Thoracoscopy already provides good visualization and thymectomy has been done effectively with good cosmetic results and minimal morbidity. It seems unlikely that robotics will measurably enhance these points. Robotics allows articulation in the arms and the reduction of tremors. Although valuable, these features are most helpful in very fine technical procedures. I am not presently convinced these features add much to thymectomy. Although the operation times reported are good, robotics does require more set-up time, is more costly, and often requires two surgeons.
I believe this article does a nice job of supporting the statement that robotics can be used to perform thymectomy safely. I believe the authors are premature in suggesting that robotic technology is now the preferred method of performing a thymic resection. The value that robotics adds to procedures such as thymectomy remains to be seen and must be weighed against the added cost of this technology.
