Back to 2026 Abstracts
First-in-human Lobectomy Using A Novel Modular Robotic-assisted Surgery System
Aliss Tsz Ching Chang, Rainbow Wing Hung Lau, Joyce Wing Yan Chan, Junko Ching Shun Chan, Calvin Sze Hang Ng.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong.
BACKGROUND: Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery has improved minimally invasive surgical outcomes. Still, limited space and the risk of arm collisions often constrain robotic arm motion, especially in patients with smaller builds. A modular robotic surgical system is an alternative form of surgical robot used in various procedures that may permit a wider range of arm motion and enable adaptable arm placement. This case describes the first successful lung resection in humans performed using a novel modular robotic-assisted surgery system, illustrating the feasibility and potential advantages of this innovative robotic technology in thoracic surgery.
METHODS: A 55-year-old female with a 1cm lung tumor underwent a right upper lobectomy with systematic mediastinal lymph node sampling using a novel modular robotic-assisted surgery system. The patient was placed in the left lateral decubitus position and intubated with a double-lumen endotracheal tube. A 3-port approach was used, one of which was a 4cm assistant port that allowed both assistant instrumentation and placement of an 8mm instrument port. The other two ports include an 11mm camera port and an 8mm instrument port.
RESULTS: The lobectomy was successfully completed without conversion to thoracotomy. Total operative time was 226 minutes. The docking time was 11 minutes, and the estimated blood loss was 10mL. There were no intraoperative complications. The drain output was 155 mL and 125 mL per day on postoperative days 1 and 2, respectively. There was no air leak observed. The chest drain was removed on postoperative day 2, and the patient was discharged the same day. At the 4-week follow-up, the patient is recovering well, with a pain score of 0 out of 10 and no other adverse events. Final pathology of the lobectomy came back to be a T1aN0 adenocarcinoma of the lung with predominantly acinar pattern. Resection margins were clear.
CONCLUSIONS: This case represents the first successful clinical application of a novel modular robotic-assisted surgery system for lung resection, demonstrating the feasibility and ergonomic effectiveness of this novel system. While promising, larger prospective studies are necessary to establish long-term oncological outcomes and to compare efficacy with other existing robotic platforms.
Back to 2026 Abstracts
