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Robotic surgery performed on lung cancer patient

Robotic lung cancer surgery is one of the most promising developments in lung cancer treatment. At Moffitt Cancer Center, we’re proud to offer da Vinci ® robotic lung surgery, a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open chest operations. We’re currently offering these surgeries to certain patients with early-stage lung cancer as the next evolution in surgical procedures. 

Although it may sound like it, our robotic lung surgeries aren’t performed by a computer. Instead, they’re performed by one of our experienced lung cancer surgeons. Throughout the entire procedure, your surgeon will be in complete control of everything that’s going on. So, how does it work?

  • Your surgeon will use small incisions to insert miniaturized surgical instruments, as well as a high-definition 3-D camera, into the area of your lung cancer.
  • Your surgeon will then use the da Vinci® surgical console to view a magnified 3-D image of the surgical field.
  • While grasping the controls below the display, your surgeon will make small, precise motions with his or her hands, wrists and fingers. The da Vinci® surgical system will then translate these motions into precise, real-time micro-movements inside your body. 

At no point does the system automate any of the steps in your surgery or make decisions without the direct input of your surgeon. Instead, the platform allows your surgeon to perform your entire surgery through several small incisions in your chest with a level of precision that simply can’t be replicated without robotic assistance. Moffitt’s robotic lung cancer surgery is typically less traumatic to a patient than an open-chest operation, and can offer better surgical results. 

Robotic lung cancer surgeries offer several benefits over traditional open-chest surgeries, including shorter hospital stays and less post-operative pain and discomfort. However, as with any type of lung cancer surgery, there are certain risks to consider. Additionally, not everyone is a candidate for a robotic lung cancer operation. Moffitt’s lung cancer team can help you determine if you qualify.

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Jacques Fontaine.

For more information – or to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced surgeons – call 1-888-663-3488 or request an appointment online. No referral is required. We’ll be happy to help you explore your robotic lung cancer surgery options.