Robotic Thymectomy

Ashley J. McCormack, MD, Stephanie H. Chang, MD

Key Points

  • A thorough understanding of anterior mediastinal anatomy is key to a complete robotic thymectomy.
  • The robotic approach to thymectomy is safe and efficient for the majority of patients without the added morbidity of a sternotomy.
  • Thoracic surgeons must familiarize themselves with the differences in port placement and surgical technique for approaching anterior mediastinal masses robotically.
  • Critical steps include careful division of the thymus off the innominate vein superiorly and identification of the phrenic nerves laterally.
  • Short and long-term outcomes following robotic thymectomy for both benign and malignant disease are excellent.

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