Resection of a bronchogenic cyst in the first decade of life with robotic surgery

Abstract

The conventional surgical approach for the removal of bronchogenic cyst in children is thoracotomy. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is still under debate with the concerns of incomplete removal and injury to major intrathoracic structures. In this case report, we present an 8-year old patient who was successfully treated with robotic surgery (Intuitive Surgical, Mountain View, CA, USA). Robotic technology enables precise dissection and complete resection of the thoracic bronchogenic cyst without violating the capsule and adjacent major intrathoracic structures. She was discharged on postoperative Day 2 and was active on Day 5.