Robotic Lung Surgery: What Patients Should Know
Robotic Thoracic Surgery:
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery is a state of the art, minimally invasive technique, available for Gold Coast and northern NSW patients to help treat a wide range of chest conditions with surgical precision. From early-stage lung cancer to thymic tumours and mediastinal cysts, the robotic approach allows complex procedures to be performed with greater precision, through smaller incisions—offering patients faster recovery, less pain, and excellent outcomes.
In this article, Dr He and his team explain what robotic lung and robotic thoracic surgery are, what conditions can be treated using the robotic system and why more patients and families are choosing this advanced surgical option.
What Is Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery?
Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery uses a highly specialised system—most commonly the da Vinci® Surgical System —to help your surgeon operate through a few small keyhole incisions between the ribs.
- The surgeon controls robotic instruments from a nearby console, using a 3D, high-definition camera and wristed instruments.
- The robotic arms allow for precise movements, even in narrow or delicate areas of the chest.
- Despite the name, the robot does not operate autonomously—your surgeon is in full control at all times.
This technique is an evolution of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and offers improved dexterity and visualisation, especially in anatomically complex procedures.
Conditions Treated with Robotic Thoracic Surgery
1. Robotic Lung Cancer Surgery (Wedge Resection, Segmentectomy, Lobectomy)
Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery is an excellent option for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Depending on the tumour’s size and location, your surgeon may perform:
- Wedge resection– removal of a small portion of lung tissue
- Segmentectomy – removal of a larger lung segment
- Lobectomy – removal of an entire lobe of the lung
Robotic lung surgery offers several advantages over VATS and open surgery, including:
- More precise tumour removal
- Better lymph node dissection for accurate staging
- Reduced blood loss and less postoperative pain
- Shorter hospital stays and faster return to normal activity
2. Sternotomy-Sparing Robotic Thymectomy
- No large chest incision
- No splitting of the breastbone
- Less pain and scarring
- Quicker recovery
- Excellent surgical access and precision
This is particularly beneficial for younger patients or those seeking a less invasive alternative with lower surgical risk.
3. Robotic Resection of Mediastinal Tumours and Cysts
The mediastinum is the central space in the chest between the lungs, where tumours or cysts can arise. Using the robotic approach, we can safely remove:
Robotic surgery provides enhanced visibility in this tight space, allowing for safe and effective tumour removal with fewer complications.
4. Robotic Lymph Node Biopsy
Enlarged lymph nodes in the chest may require biopsy to investigate conditions such as:
- Lymphoma
- Sarcoidosis
- Metastatic cancer
With robotic-assisted surgery, these biopsies can be performed with precision through small incisions, reducing recovery time and discomfort.
Benefits of Robotic Thoracic Surgery
Compared to open surgery or standard VATS, robotic thoracic surgery offers:
- Smaller incisions and minimal scarring
- Avoidance of sternotomy for thymectomy
- Less postoperative pain and reduced need for narcotics
- Lower risk of complications
- Shorter hospital stay
- Quicker return to work and daily life
- Excellent surgical precision, even in complex cases
These benefits make robotic-assisted surgery especially appealing to patients looking for less invasive treatment with strong clinical outcomes.
Why Choose Robotic Thoracic Surgery on the Gold Coast?
Dr Cheng He is a specialist Cardiothoracic surgeon offering robotic lung and chest surgery using the da Vinci Xi® system—the most advanced platform available. Based on the Gold Coast, Dr He provides expert care for patients with lung cancer, mediastinal tumours, thymic conditions, and other thoracic diseases.
Our team is committed to:
- Minimally invasive techniques whenever safe and appropriate
- Clear, compassionate communication with patients and families
- Achieving the best possible surgical outcomes with the least disruption to your life
Book a Consultation
If you’ve been diagnosed with lung cancer, a mediastinal tumour, or have been advised to consider a thymectomy or lymph node biopsy, we invite you to explore your surgical options.
Dr Cheng He
For all appointments
Phone (07) 5353 2000
Email [email protected]
Fax (07) 5353 2001
Mail PO Box 179, Griffith University QLD 4222
Arrange you consultation
To make an appointment with Dr He please contact us via phone, e-mail or fax.
Your consultation
During the initial consult a detailed medical history and physical examination will be performed. Treatment options will be discussed with you. Dr He will help explain the risks and benefits of each option so that you’re empowered to make the next step.
On the day of your consultation, please bring:
- Referral letter from your doctor, if available
- Relevant X-rays, CT/MRI/PET scans, Angiogram, Echo
- Copies of hospital discharge summaries, operation records
- List of current medications
- Medicare/DVA/Pension/Private Health Fund cards
Arrange your consultation
To make an appointment with Dr He please contact us via phone, e-mail or fax.
Most outpatients will have a referral letter from their general practitioner or medical specialist. If you do not have one we can guide you through this process. Please don’t hesitate to contact us.
