Robotics replace sternum splits in 20th global lung transplant
A new technique at Clalit-Beilinson Hospital avoids the severe pain and infection risks associated with traditional open-chest surgeries.
By Julian Schulz ·
Surgeons at Clalit-Beilinson Hospital in Israel successfully performed a robotic-assisted lung transplant without fully opening the patient's chest. This procedure departs from the conventional method where surgeons cut through the chest bone and spread the ribs apart to access the lungs. The traditional approach often results in severe postoperative pain, shallow breathing, and difficulty clearing secretions. These complications increase the risk of infection and extend the recovery period for transplant recipients.
The new robotic method uses small incisions in the chest. Through these openings, robotic technology connects the transplanted lung to the patient's blood vessels and airways. This technique requires extensive advance preparation and specialized training for the dozens of medical professionals involved. The procedure has been performed only about 20 times worldwide. The first such operation was carried out in Spain three years ago.
Dr. Yury Peysakhovich, director of the Thoracic Surgery Department at Clalit-Beilinson Hospital, called the development a turning point for lung transplantation in Israel. He noted that the hospital had relied on the traditional approach for decades. Peysakhovich stated, "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." According to him, the robotic method could become the accepted standard of care within five years.
Dr. Dan Gorfil, director of the Cardiothoracic Surgery ICU at the hospital, described the patient's recovery as exceeding expectations. He explained that managing severe pain is one of the greatest challenges following a transplant. The patient who underwent the robotic-assisted procedure required almost no pain medication beyond paracetamol. This reduced need for analgesics contributed to a shorter stay in intensive care and a reduced overall hospitalization time.
Source: The Jerusalem Post
