Robotic-assisted resection of a thymoma after two previous sternotomies.

Robotic-assisted surgery has emerged as a new strategy for resection of thymomas. It may provide an option for patients who have had prior thoracic procedures, reducing the risks involved with another open procedure. We present a patient with a thymoma occurring after two prior sternotomies for cardiac procedures. A robotic-assisted thymectomy was performed successfully, with no complications. The minimally invasive approach of robotic-assisted resection of thymomas provides a safe alternative to redo sternotomy. Copyright 2010 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.