Single-Port Robotic Thoracic Surgery Expands Treatment Options

UH Seidman Update

By Leonidas Tapias, MD
Thoracic and Esophageal Surgeon
Assistant Professor
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

The single-port robotic thoracic surgery program at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center is bringing a new minimally invasive approach to patients with lung cancer and mediastinal masses. Launched in 2025 the program has grown rapidly, with nearly 70 operations completed in 2026 alone. This experience has positioned UH among the leading programs advancing single-port thoracic surgery nationally.

Leonidas Tapias, MD (second from left), and the UH surgical team are advancing single-port robotic thoracic surgery, performing lung resections and mediastinal mass excisions through a small incision below the rib cage.

The technology allows a camera and multiple robotic instruments to enter through a single access point. For selected patients, lung resections and mediastinal mass excisions can be performed through a 3–4 cm incision below the rib cage, avoiding surgical ports between the ribs. The surgeon controls the instruments throughout the operation, using a three-dimensional view to perform precise dissection, tumor removal, and lymph node evaluation.

The goal is to deliver effective cancer surgery while reducing the physical burden of treatment. A faster recovery can help patients return to their families and daily activities sooner. For those who need additional cancer treatment, recovering well can also help them prepare for the next phase of care.

An early review of the program’s outcomes found encouraging recovery and pain results. At the first postoperative visit, more than 70% of patients in the initial reviewed cohort reported no pain, and nearly 97% reported a pain score of two or less. Early oncologic results are equivalent to those achieved with traditional intercostal access.

The program brings together surgical expertise, specialized operating room teams, and institutional support for advanced technology. Single-port surgery complements UH’s established multiport robotic capabilities, allowing the surgical approach to be tailored to each patient. Continued growth at UH Cleveland Medical Center will help more patients access this care.