Robotic Lung Surgery

Mount Sinai was among the first hospitals in South Florida to offer robotic-assisted lung surgery, which has fewer complications and shorter recovery times. In addition, since minimally invasive surgery offers reduced physical stress and pain, older patients who are not candidates for traditional open lung surgery may qualify for robotic-assisted procedures.

As early adopters of this advanced technology, Mount Sinai’s thoracic surgical team has performed more than 2,500 robotic-assisted lung cancer surgeries since 2009, making our team among the most experienced lung surgeons in the nation using robotic-assisted procedures. 

What is Robotic Thoracic Surgery?

It’s a minimally invasive surgery utilizing the da Vinci Robotic System, that precisely mimics the movements of an experienced thoracic surgeon but uses tiny “hands” to access parts of the body that might otherwise be difficult to reach. It offers the surgeon many advantages within the chest cavity, including greater surgical precision, increased range of motion, improved dexterity, enhanced visualization, and improved access.

What are the benefits to Robotic Thoracic Surgery?

Because robotic surgery is performed through small incisions without opening the ribs, patients often gain many benefits, including less trauma, less pain, shorter hospital stays, faster return to normal activity, less blood loss, less risk of infection, and less scarring.

Is Robotic Surgery covered by insurance?

da Vinci surgery is categorized as robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery, so any insurance that covers minimally invasive surgery generally covers it. This is true for most insurance plans, including Medicare.

What are the applications of Robotic Thoracic Surgery?

Robotic assisted surgery works for all aspects of Lung Cancer surgery, as well as for esophageal surgery and paraoesophageal hernia repair.

Are there any specific limitations with Robotic Thoracic Surgery?

Robotic surgery has limited application with large tumors and procedures where it’s important for the surgeon to touch and feel a tumor.