Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery

Advanced, Minimally Invasive Techniques

Merits

When you're facing a condition that affects your chest—whether it's lung cancer, esophageal disease, or a benign mass—you want care that’s precise, effective and as gentle as possible. At Trinity Health Michigan, our highly skilled thoracic surgeons use robotic-assisted thoracic surgery to treat a wide range of chest conditions with advanced, minimally invasive techniques.

Our team is experienced in using the da Vinci surgical robot to perform complex procedures through small incisions, helping reduce trauma to healthy tissue and improve recovery outcomes. This approach offers several clinical advantages over traditional open chest surgery, including less pain, lower risk of complications, shorter hospital stays and faster healing—so you can get back to breathing easier and living fully.

More precision. Less incision.

Traditional thoracic surgery often requires a large incision and spreading of the ribs, which can lead to significant pain and longer recovery. With robotic-assisted chest surgery, our surgeons operate through a few small, carefully placed incisions using robotic instruments that offer enhanced control and visibility.

The da Vinci system provides a magnified, high-definition 3D view of the surgical site, allowing for precise movements and better protection of surrounding tissue. This minimally invasive thoracic surgery technique helps reduce scarring, blood loss and post-operative discomfort—leading to better outcomes and higher patient satisfaction.

Traditional surgery incision for thoracic surgery

Traditional Surgery Incision

Robotic surgery incision from thoracic surgery

Robotic Surgery Incision

Conditions Treated

Cancers

Lung cancer
Esophageal cancer
Mediastinal tumors (thymoma, teratoma, germ cell tumors)
Chest wall masses

Benign (Non-Cancerous) Conditions

Lung nodules
Growths or cysts in the middle of the chest (mediastinum)
Thymus conditions, including myasthenia gravis
Fluid, infections or disease in the chest cavity or lining (pleura)
Esophageal problems (reflux/GERD, achalasia, esophageal diverticula)
Diaphragm injuries, congenital hernias and hiatal hernias
Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)

Procedures Performed

Lung resections
Thymectomy
Mediastinal mass or cyst removal
Pleurodesis
Pleural biopsy
Esophagectomy
Heller myotomy
Hiatal hernia repair
Sympathectomy
Chest wall resection
Diaphragm repair

Find a Robotic Thoracic Surgeon

Our thoracic surgeons are leaders in robotic-assisted chest surgery, combining advanced training with a deep commitment to patient-centered care.

About the da Vinci Surgical Robot

The da Vinci surgical system is designed to perform complex procedures through tiny incisions with enhanced precision. Its robotic arms mimic the movement of a human hand, while a high-definition 3D camera provides a magnified view of the surgical site. Your surgeon remains in full control throughout the procedure, guiding every movement with care and accuracy.

da Vinci robot