Comparative Effectiveness of Robotic-Assisted vs. Thoracoscopic Lobectomy

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the authors evaluated outcomes and costs of VATS (37,595) vs robotic (2,498) lobectomy 2008-2011.  Robotic lobectomy was associated with higher rates of complications, particularly cardiovascular and iatrogenic bleeding, and higher costs ($22,582 vs $17,874).