Da Vinci Robot in surgery for lung cancer and mediastinal tumors

Some lung cancer surgeries at the Netherlands Cancer Institute are done with the Da Vinci Robot. The lung surgeon removes lobes using the robot and tumors located between the lungs, right above the pericardium (mediastinal tumors). The Da Vinci Robot helps surgeons perform these complex surgeries. The robot can visualize the tumor tissue in great detail which allows for increased precision in the removal. Healthy tissue is spared as much as possible, which minimizes the side effects. During surgery, the surgeon will be seated at a console (work station or cockpit) from where they can control the robotic arms. The surgeon can see the surgical region enlarged on the monitor for increased precision. The surgeon's fingers are connected to the robotic arms and surgical instruments by means of a computer. At the end of the robotic arms are wrist joints that can turn. A second surgeon stands at the operating table who can perform additional procedures, clarify physical structures, or hand over surgical instruments if necessary. At the Netherlands Cancer Institute, we use the Da Vinci robot at the surgery, urology, gynecology, and head and neck surgery departments. Other than certain colorectal cancer surgeries, the Da Vinci robot is used in surgery for lung cancer and mediastinal tumors, prostate cancer and bladder tumors, tumors in the head and neck area, and gynecologic procedures in the lesser pelvis.