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

Surgeons at Clalit-Beilinson Hospital in Israel performed a robotic-assisted lung transplant without fully opening the chest or spreading the ribs, using small incisions for robotic technology to connect the lung. The procedure has been done about 20 times worldwide since the first in Spain three years ago, and doctors say it could become the standard within five years.

Surgeons at Clalit-Beilinson Hospital in Israel have successfully performed a robotic-assisted lung transplant without fully opening the chest or spreading the ribs, a departure from conventional surgery. The new method uses small incisions to allow robotic technology to connect the transplanted lung to the patient's blood vessels and airways. The procedure, which requires extensive preparation and specialized training, has been performed only about 20 times worldwide since the first was carried out in Spain three years ago. Dr. Yury Peysakhovich, director of the Thoracic Surgery Department, called it a turning point for lung transplantation in Israel and said it could become the accepted standard within five years. Dr. Dan Gorfil, director of the Cardiothoracic Surgery ICU, noted the patient required almost no pain medication beyond paracetamol, contributing to a shorter intensive care stay and reduced hospitalization time.