Robotic resection of an anterior mediastinal mass en bloc with the left innominate vein and pericardium post induction treatment for thymic carcinoma.
Vasileios Kouritas, Alice Cartwright, Munir Adamu Bala et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 70-year-old man presented with an anterior mediastinal mass identified as thymic squamous cell carcinoma, measuring 85 x 45 mm, which invaded the pericardium and occluded the left innominate vein. Following neoadjuvant chemotherapy, a robotic-assisted en bloc resection was performed, successfully removing the mass along with the left innominate vein and pericardium. The patient experienced transient atrial fibrillation postoperatively and was discharged on Day 9, with final pathology confirming an R0 resection.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
This case illustrates the feasibility and safety of robotic-assisted surgery for complex mediastinal tumors involving critical structures, highlighting its potential benefits over traditional sternotomy.
Why it matters
The successful use of robotic techniques in this case may encourage further exploration of minimally invasive approaches for similar challenging thoracic surgeries.