Never Fear, the Robot Is Here: Robotic Resection for a Giant Thymoma

Alison S Baskin; Andrew D Wisneski; Kirk D Jones; Johannes R Kratz; David M Jablons

doi:10.1016/j.atssr.2025.06.020

Never Fear, the Robot Is Here: Robotic Resection for a Giant Thymoma

Ann Thorac Surg Short Rep. 2025 Jul 22;3(4):959-961. doi: 10.1016/j.atssr.2025.06.020. eCollection 2025 Dec.

Authors

Alison S Baskin¹, Andrew D Wisneski¹, Kirk D Jones², Johannes R Kratz¹, David M Jablons¹

Affiliations

¹ Department of Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.
² Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California.

Abstract

Thymomas are rare anterior mediastinal tumors that can grow large, compressing important thoracic structures. Complete surgical excision remains the "gold standard." Whereas median sternotomy has traditionally been used, minimally invasive techniques are becoming increasingly favored. Recent studies highlight the safety and efficacy of robotic thymectomy; however, "large" tumors described in the literature have averaged 6 to 8 cm. We present the case of a 68-year-old woman with a 13-cm thymoma resected entirely robotically. Use of various port configurations and enhanced maneuverability of robotic platform instruments enabled adequate visualization and safe dissection. This case highlights that tumor size alone should not preclude robotic thymectomy.

Publication types

Case Reports