Full subcostal subxiphoid robotic-assisted radical thymectomy: preclinical cadaveric study for optimizing patient positioning, table settings, and port configuration.

Robotic subxiphoid transthoracic thymectomy showed several surgical advantages. Nevertheless, the intercostal insertion of trocars may lead to nerve injury with enhanced post-operative pain. Moreover, the dissection of peri-diaphragmatic mediastinal fat may result challenging, in particular on left side, where the presence of the heart precludes the optimal visualization.

A new endoscopic surgical approach to the larynx, hypopharynx, and neck lymphatics: The robotic-assisted extended "Sistrunk" approach (RESA).

Background: We report on the feasibility of a novel robotic-assisted extended "Sistrunk" approach (RESA) to the larynx, hypopharynx, and lateral neck lymphatics.

Methods: Studies were performed using the da Vinci Xi and SP system on three cadavers comprising of three supraglottic laryngectomies, one partial hypopharyngectomy, and four lateral level II to IV neck dissections.

Results: In all resections at first a central common working space overlying the hyoid bone was created.