Robotic Lobectomy using a Subxiphoid Approach

For the past six months, the authors have used a subxiphoid approach for robotic lobectomies in order to reduce pain to a minimum. This approach allows for staplers to be inserted and lobectomy specimens to be extracted through the subxiphoid port, instead of a rib space. CO2 allows the antero-inferior entrance port to be made, and the drain is placed in the same port. Some patients experience no pain and can go home on the second post-operative day.