Israeli surgeons complete robotic lung transplant without fully opening chest, spreading ribs

Surgeons at Clalit-Beilinson Hospital successfully performed a robotic-assisted lung transplant without needing to fully open the chest, as is done in conventional transplants. 

In a conventional lung transplant, surgeons cut through the chest bone, fully open the chest cavity, and spread the ribs to gain access to the lungs. This can cause severe postoperative pain, shallow breathing, and difficulty clearing lung secretions. 

These complications increase infection risks and contribute to a lengthy and challenging recovery period.

The new, robotic method requires only small incisions in the chest to allow robotic technology to connect the transplanted lung to the patient's blood vessels and airways. 

The procedure, which requires extensive advance preparation and specialized training for dozens of medical professionals involved, has only been performed about 20 times worldwide since the first was carried out in Spain three years ago. 

"Robotic lung transplantation represents a turning point for lung transplantation in Israel. After decades of relying on the traditional approach, which involved significant pain and numerous complications, we have succeeded in bringing a genuine revolution to Israel," Director of the Thoracic Surgery Department at Clalit-Beilinson Hospital, Dr. Yury Peysakhovich, said.

According to Peysakhovich, robotic lung transplantation could become the accepted standard of care within five years.

Robotic transplant procedure significantly reduces post-op pain

Director of the Cardiothoracic Surgery ICU at Clalit-Beilinson Hospital, Dr. Dan Gorfil, emphasized the benefit for the patient's recovery post-surgery, explaining that one of the greatest challenges post-operation is managing the severe pain.

"The recovery of the patient who underwent robotic-assisted transplantation exceeded all our expectations. He required almost no pain medication beyond paracetamol. This contributed to a shorter stay in intensive care and reduced his overall hospitalization time," he said.