Robotic lobectomy: revolution or evolution?

Abstract

In their case report “Robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: right inferior lobectomy”, Yang et al . described their technique for performing a robotic lobectomy (1). They highlight several advantages of a robotic approach and provide good illustrative photos. While robotic surgery provides advantages for the surgeon in terms of dexterity and visualization, the question remains how these advantages affect patient outcomes and whether the robotic approach is a true revolution or an evolution from other minimally invasive approaches.