New Perspectives in Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS)

In the field of thoracic surgery, significant advancements have been made in recent years, transforming the management of various thoracic diseases from diagnosis to radical therapy. The introduction of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has proven beneficial in terms of peri-operative outcomes and has been deemed oncologically valid. The evolution of VATS led to the development of robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS), aimed at ensuring shorter learning curves, greater precision for the surgeon, and excellent post-operative outcomes. There has been an exponential spread of the technique in recent years alongside the development of new tools, new surgical scenarios, and continuing technological evolution.

The primary goal of this Research Topic is to delve deeper into the innovations in thoracic robotic surgery. It aims to provide more solid scientific evidence on the effectiveness of RATS, especially in the context of new medical therapies, which are increasingly offered in a neoadjuvant setting to shift the focus to patient-specific personalized treatments. The collection also seeks to explore the various applications of RATS, from sublobar anatomical resections to more advanced cases with vascular or bronchial reconstructions.

The scope of this Research Topic is primarily focused on the advancements and applications of RATS. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
• The evolution and development of RATS;
• The effectiveness of RATS in various thoracic diseases;
• The potential advantages and limitations of RATS;
• The impact of RATs on personalized therapy and medicine.

Keywords: Thoracic Surgery, Lung Cancer, Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery, Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery, New Technologies, Oncological Treatment

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.