Commentary on robotic bronchoplasty

Lee and Associates have briefly described three robotic broncho-plastic operations. The authors conclude that robotic assisted thoracoscopic surgery offers specific advantages over conventional thoracoscopic surgery and in general we agree. The main advantages are technical given the wristed instruments. However, many skilled VATS surgeons would argue, and rightfully so, that they can do it just as well with VATS instruments. Until there is data on the subject it remains a matter of opinion. In this well written article (1), that has an N of 3, the authors show safety and feasibility.