• Reference Number: HEY1575/2025
• Departments: Cardiac Surgery
• Last Updated: 30 April 2025

Also known as robotic assisted-thoracic surgery

Introduction

This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your procedure Robotic Lung Resection Surgery also known as RATS. Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your doctor but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team caring for you.

Robotic lung resection surgery

This is a type of minimally invasive, or keyhole surgery used to remove lung cancers and lymph nodes, it can also be used for other surgery such as removing the thymus gland. Your surgeon uses this procedure to manipulate the precise movement of surgical implements withing your chest using magnified 3D imaging with 360-degree views. Your surgeon will sit in the operating theatre at a console controlling the instruments on the robotic surgical system through small cuts made in the chest the robotic instruments mimic the movements of the surgeons’ hands.

Why is this type of surgery being offered

This procedure allows your surgeon to gain a clear view of the inside of your chest and to reach parts of your chest which are difficult to reach. Not everyone will be suitable for robotic surgery, your surgeon has decided that this a suitable approach in your case.

What are the complications or risks?

All types of surgery carry risks. They may include blood clots, infection, bleeding, abnormal heartbeats, air leakage from your lungs and pain. Your surgeon may have to convert to a more invasive approach, this is making a larger incision or cut if needed, to complete the surgery. Minimally invasive surgery may mean less blood loss, faster recovery times, and fewer complications.

How do I prepare for robotic surgery?

There is no specific preparation for the surgery however you should eat well and exercise within your limits, you should be as physically fit and ell Nourished as this prepares you for surgery and your recovery afterwards. If you have signs of an infection for example a cough, cold or sore throat your procedure may be postponed.

What will happen?

This section should explain precise details of:

• You will be admitted to wards27 Castle Hill Hospital the day before your surgery.
• You will be greeted by a member of the ward team on your arrival
• Your surgeon will perform your surgery
• The surgery will be performed under a general anaesthetic
• Post-operative pain management will be provided by the ward team
• Following your surgery, you will have a chest drain in situ this will usually be removed before you go home

What happens afterwards?

This section should explain:

• You will be encouraged to be mobile following your surgery, you will feel sore and will require regular pain relief for the next couple of weeks
• Any histology results may take 2 to 3 weeks to process, sometimes longer
• Recovery period is around 6 to 8 weeks
• Expected length of stay in hospital vary between 3 to 7 days dependant on the extent of the surgery and your personal recovery
• You will be contacted by your surgeon around six weeks following your discharge from the ward who will check on your recovery and explain the biopsy results. You may also be contacted by the Macmillan Thoracic Surgery Lung CNS Team with any further information for example to review your recovery three weeks following your discharge from hospital also if your case has been discussed in the Lung Cancer MDT and there is information to give you following this. The lung Cancer MDT is a meeting or gathering of consultants and specialist nurse involved in your care who discuss your case at key points in your investigation, treatment and management.
• Follow-up treatment and management, this will depend on the surgery or histopathology findings

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact Ward 27 Castle Hill hospital on tel: 01482 461621 or the Macmillan Lung CNS Team on tel: 01482 461090.