Robotic resection of a thoracic duct cyst

Abstract

A 69-year-old male presented with back tightness. Computed tomography revealed a 5 cm × 3 cm cystic para-oesophageal mass. A right robotic-assisted thoracoscopic resection was performed. Final pathology revealed a thoracic duct cyst (TDC). Robotic resection of a TDC has not been described in the literature previously but is shown in this report to be an effective and efficient way to perform the procedure. We suspect that robotic resection of mediastinal masses such as TDCs will become more common. Further studies comparing robotic to non-robotic resection of mediastinal masses would be helpful to determine the preferred treatment while minimising morbidity, length of stay and cost.