{"id":1189,"date":"2018-10-09T11:38:05","date_gmt":"2018-10-09T15:38:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/thoracic\/?page_id=1189"},"modified":"2026-02-18T17:13:20","modified_gmt":"2026-02-18T22:13:20","slug":"minimally-invasive-thoracic-surgery","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/thoracic\/treatments\/minimally-invasive-thoracic-surgery\/","title":{"rendered":"Minimally Invasive & Robotic Thoracic Surgery"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":null,"protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":0,"parent":1064,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1189","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"layers":[{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_content_sidebar","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content":"

Revolutionizing Care with Robotic Assistance<\/h2>\n

The Center for Minimally Invasive Chest Surgery and Thoracic Oncology is committed to care excellence. At Saint John\u2019s Health Center, our thoracic surgeons are internationally recognized and committed to the best possible outcomes. Our patients come from all over the world to have their operation with our surgical team. \u00a0For several years, we have treated more new lung cancer patients than any other surgical program in California and maintain the largest volume of\u00a0Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS)\u00a0lobectomies for lung cancer in the world.<\/p>\n

Notably, our surgeons have managed over 100 advanced VATS courses for other thoracic surgeons, having performed minimally invasive chest operations for almost 30 years. Stanford University cardiothoracic surgery residents and USC PA students come to Providence Saint John\u2019s to learn thoracic surgery.<\/p>\n

What is Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery?<\/h3>\n

\"robot-assisted
Robot-assisted surgery provides a minimally invasive approach that results in faster recovery and shorter stays for patients.<\/figcaption><\/figure>Minimally invasive thoracic surgery, a groundbreaking approach to treating various thoracic conditions, has transformed the landscape of surgical procedures by leveraging advanced technologies such as robotic assistance. This technique offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including quicker recovery times, reduced pain, and improved patient outcomes. At the forefront of this innovation is robotic thoracic surgery, which combines the precision of robotic systems with the expertise of skilled surgeons to perform intricate procedures with remarkable dexterity.<\/p>\n

Robotic Thoracic Surgery<\/h2>\n

Robotic thoracic surgery, using the da Vinci Surgical System by Intuitive Medical, is a minimally invasive approach that employs robotic arms and advanced imaging technology to facilitate complex procedures within the thoracic cavity. This technique has gained substantial traction due to its potential to enhance surgical precision, minimize tissue damage, and accelerate patient recovery. Unlike traditional open surgery that involves larger incisions, robotic thoracic surgery utilizes several small incisions through which the robotic arms and specialized instruments are inserted. The surgeon then operates these instruments with the assistance of a robotic console, providing a 3D high-definition view of the surgical site.<\/p>\n

Other benefits of robotic thoracic surgery using the da Vinci\u00ae Surgical robot includes:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n