Robotic Tracheobronchoplasty: Technique

Abstract

Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is a chronic condition characterized by collapse of the trachea and bronchi during exhalation as a result of weakened tracheal cartilage and/or redundancy of the posterior airway membrane. Currently, the definitive treatment for TBM is surgical stabilization via mesh plication. While this procedure has traditionally been performed via a posterolateral thoracotomy, we have recently reported the outcomes of the first series of robotically-assisted, minimally invasive tracheobronchoplasty (R-TBP) for the treatment of severe TBM. The purpose of this report is to detail the R-TBP procedure, as well as, the potential pitfalls and pearls for success.