Robotic Thoracic Surgery
Robotic thoracic surgery is minimally invasive chest surgery performed through small incisions with a robotic system the surgeon fully controls, giving magnified 3D vision and precise, wristed instruments. At FHI it is offered on both the multi-port da Vinci Xi and the single-port da Vinci SP to remove lung and mediastinal tumors while sparing healthy tissue.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
In robotic thoracic surgery the surgeon operates from a console, controlling instruments passed through small incisions between the ribs. A high-definition 3D camera magnifies the surgical field and the instruments articulate like a human wrist, allowing careful dissection deep in the chest. Because the chest is not spread open, many patients experience less pain and a quicker return to daily life than after open surgery.
FHI's Thoracic Surgery Center performs robotic operations on two platforms. The multi-port da Vinci Xi uses three to four small ports and is used for lobectomy, segmentectomy, mediastinal surgery and complex lymph-node dissection. The single-port da Vinci SP works through one cannula of about 25 mm — carrying a camera and three flexible instruments — via a single incision between the ribs or below the breastbone, which may mean fewer intercostal-nerve injuries and less post-operative pain. Video-assisted thoracoscopic (VATS) and open approaches remain available when they are the better choice, and tumors involving the aorta are managed together with the Cardiac Surgery Center.
International patients are supported by a dedicated coordinator. Our specialists can review your reports and imaging remotely, and before you travel you receive a written plan and a transparent, itemized cost estimate. The team explains whether a robotic approach suits your case, as suitability depends on the tumor and your overall health.
Who is a candidate?
- Adults with a lung nodule, lung cancer or mediastinal mass that is suitable for a minimally invasive approach
- Patients whose tumor size and location allow safe dissection through small incisions
- People fit enough for general anesthesia and single-lung ventilation during surgery
- Those who may benefit from less post-operative pain and a faster recovery than open surgery
- Cases reviewed and recommended for a robotic approach by the thoracic-surgery team
What happens
- 1
Assessment and staging
Imaging such as CT and PET-CT, breathing (pulmonary function) tests and a review of your general health confirm the diagnosis and whether a robotic approach is appropriate. Complex cases are discussed at a thoracic-surgery and oncology tumor board.
- 2
Preparation
You meet the surgical and anesthesia teams, stop certain medicines if advised, and receive instructions on fasting and, where relevant, stopping smoking to lower risk.
- 3
The operation
Under general anesthesia the surgeon operates from the console. On the da Vinci Xi three to four small ports are used; on the single-port SP one small incision between the ribs or below the breastbone carries the camera and instruments. The tumor, and lymph nodes where needed, are removed and sent for pathology.
- 4
Early recovery
A chest drain is usually placed to re-expand the lung and is removed once drainage settles. Pain relief, early walking and breathing exercises help recovery, and the team monitors your breathing and wounds.
- 5
Follow-up
Pathology results guide any further treatment, which may be reviewed again at a tumor board. International patients receive a written follow-up plan that can be continued at home, with reviews scheduled by the coordinator.
Benefits
- Small incisions instead of opening the chest, with magnified 3D vision and wristed precision
- Often less post-operative pain and a faster return to normal activity than open surgery
- Choice of the multi-port Xi or single-port SP platform to suit the operation
- Single-port SP may reduce intercostal-nerve injury and post-operative pain in selected cases
- Backed by tumor-board planning and, for aortic involvement, the Cardiac Surgery Center
Risks & considerations
- General risks of surgery and anesthesia, including bleeding and infection
- Prolonged air leak from the lung, sometimes needing the chest drain to stay in longer
- Chest-wall or nerve pain and, less commonly, numbness near the incisions
- Pneumonia or other chest infection after surgery
- Occasionally the surgeon must convert to an open operation for safety
- Serious complications are uncommon but possible; the team reviews your individual risk beforehand
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Thoracic Surgery.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Robotic Thoracic Surgery — frequently asked questions
The multi-port Xi works through three to four small ports and is used for lobectomy, segmentectomy, mediastinal surgery and complex lymph-node dissection. The single-port SP works through one cannula of about 25 mm via a single incision between the ribs or below the breastbone, which may mean fewer intercostal-nerve injuries and less post-operative pain. Your surgeon recommends the platform that best fits your case.
Not always — each approach has its place. Robotic and VATS surgery are minimally invasive, while an open operation is sometimes the safer or more complete choice. The thoracic team recommends the approach best suited to your tumor and health, and open surgery remains available if needed during the operation.
Yes. A dedicated coordinator arranges your evaluation, and our specialists can review your reports and imaging remotely. You receive a written plan and an itemized cost estimate before you decide to travel.
Tumors involving the aorta are managed jointly with our Cardiac Surgery Center, so the necessary cardiac and thoracic expertise is available together. Complex cases are also reviewed at a tumor board with internal and external physicians.
We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case and do not quote fixed prices online because each plan is individual. Hospital stay is usually a few days but depends on the operation and your recovery, and your coordinator confirms the expected timeline.
Related treatments
Considering robotic thoracic surgery?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.