Single Port Robotic Surgery Transforms Outcomes for Lung Tumor Removal

Erin Welsh is joined by Dr. Jeffrey Port, a thoracic surgeon at NewYork-Presbyterian and Weill Cornell Medicine, and a leader in thoracic surgical oncology, to discuss advances in minimally invasive robotic surgery and the unique collaborative care model that his program employs to operate on complex chest tumors. When Dr. Port first started his career, the surgical techniques used to operate on lung cancer patients were akin to open heart surgery. But in recent years, his team has pioneered new techniques in thoracic surgery, specifically a minimally invasive single port robotic approach, which utilizes a multi-finger robotic hand to operate through one incision. Weill Cornell Medicine is currently one of only 10 centers nationwide using this technology for thoracic surgery, and the highest-volume center in the country that is performing these advanced procedures. Dr. Port also discusses the unique collaborative model his team utilizes to perform complex chest tumor surgeries which oftentimes require cardiopulmonary bypass. This combination of cutting edge surgical techniques, high case volume, and a multidisciplinary approach, is meaningfully expanding treatment options for patients who cannot be treated elsewhere. Chapters:  [00:00 - 04:39] Introduction to Thoracic Surgery Dr. Port and Erin discuss the standard of care for thoracic surgery as it stood a few years ago and his pioneering use of robotics in single port thoracic surgery today.  [04:39 - 09:06] Recovery Benefits of Single-Port Robotic Surgery Dr. Port expands on how the technology differs from standard robotics and the recovery benefits of single-port robotic thoracic surgery.  [09:06 - 13:20] NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine as Early Adopter of Innovative Technology Dr. Port details his department’s efforts as a training facility, teaching surgeons and health care professionals from across the world the techniques and workflows that contribute to their success.  [13:20 - 16:16] Multidisciplinary Approach as a Key to Cardiopulmonary Care Dr. Port outlines how multi-specialty care allows his team to undertake very complex cases with success.  [16:16 - 17:01] Credits *** Dr. Jeffrey L. Port is a Professor of Thoracic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine and a leader in thoracic surgical oncology. For more than two decades, he has helped shape Weill Cornell’s robotic thoracic surgery program and played a central role in advancing both minimally invasive and complex, high-risk chest surgery. His clinical focus spans lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies, with particular expertise in robotic approaches and coordinated cardiac–thoracic procedures for patients with advanced disease.  For more information visit nyp.org/Advances