National trends and perioperative outcomes of robotic resection of thymic tumours in the United States: a propensity matching comparison with open and video-assisted thoracoscopic approaches†

Abstract

Over a 4-year study period, there was a significant increase in robotic utilization for thymectomies and an increase in the number of hospitals performing the procedure. In a matched analysis, a robotic approach was comparable to a VATS or an open approach. Current trends demonstrate increased robotic utilization for small thymomas with excellent perioperative results.