The minimally invasive surgical approach may allow high-risk or frail patients to become candidates for lung transplantation.
RT’s Three Key Takeaways:
- Minimally Invasive Technique: Surgeons use a six-centimeter incision and lung deflation to perform the transplant, which reduces surgical trauma and pain for the patient.
- Expanded Patient Candidacy: The robotic approach allows individuals who may be too frail for traditional open-chest procedures to be considered for lung transplantation.
- Accelerated Recovery Times: Patients who undergo the robotic procedure typically experience shorter hospital stays and quicker healing compared to traditional transplant methods.
Transplant surgeons at Houston Methodist recently performed their first robotic lung transplant, joining only a handful of other hospitals in the US to offer the advanced technique to patients, according to the organization.
The minimally invasive approach reduces surgical trauma and allows patients who were previously considered too high-risk for traditional transplant procedures to become candidates for a second chance at life.
“The ability to perform lung transplants robotically had been a goal of our team because we know that it allows us to consider transplantation for a wider group of patients and offers many direct health benefits,” said Dr. Ray Chihara, surgical director of lung transplantation at the J.C. Walter Transplant Center at Houston Methodist, who led the first surgery. “Patients who are candidates for the robotic procedure experience quicker healing times and reduced hospital stays.”
Depending on patient need, surgeons transplant either one or both lungs. Using minimally invasive techniques, they remove the diseased lung(s) and transplant the donated organ(s). Lungs are unique because they can be deflated, allowing surgeons to conduct removal and insertion through a small, six- centimeter incision. After surgery, patients experience less pain and typically recover more quickly, allowing them to resume their normal lives.
“Here at Houston Methodist, we have an incredible group of thoracic surgeons who are skilled at performing robotic surgeries. Expanding that expertise into lung transplantation offers more options to our patients,” said Dr. Howard J. Huang, section chief and medical director of lung transplantation at Houston Methodist. “While the robotic procedure won’t be right for everyone, it allows us to expand who is eligible for a lung transplant. For instance, those who may be too frail to undergo a traditional open chest procedure could be considered for this minimally invasive option.”
Since the first surgery April 12, Houston Methodist surgeons have completed robotic lung transplants on three additional patients. Three received a single lung and one received a double lung transplant.
“We are thrilled that our first robotic lung transplant procedures have been a success. We look forward to continuing to build on and expand the program, offering our patients a second chance at life through the gift of organ donation,” Chihara said.
