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OBJECTIVE: During the last decade the role of minimally-invasive thymectomy has been increasing. One of the most critical moment of this procedure is represented by the control and division of thymic veins. The aim of this study was to verify the safety of a new robotic instrument for performing the dissection of thymic tissue and for dividing thymic vein.
METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 10 consecutive patients that underwent robotic thymectomy by using this new device for bipolar coagulation and mechanical transection. Operative time, intraoperative complication, blood loss, post-operative complication and post-operative hospital stay were analysed.
RESULTS: There were 1 male and 9 females, with a mean age of 32 (range 23-35 years), that suffered from Myasthenia Gravis. The mean operative time was 102 minutes (90-120 minutes). No intraoperative complication occurred. The new instrument was safely applied for thymic dissection and for division of thymic veins in all cases. The mean blood loss was 39 ml (30-60 ml). No post-operative complication occurred. The mean post-operative stay was 2 days (range 2-4).
CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary experience appears to be favourable for the application of this device, resulting useful for dissection of thymic gland, and providing a safe division of thymic vein. However further study on larger series are necessary.