Single-port robotic resection of a superior mediastinal bronchogenic cyst in a 6-year-old child using the da Vinci SP system: a case report.

BACKGROUND

Bronchogenic cysts often require surgical excision in children because of the risk of progressive enlargement and complications. Although minimally invasive surgery is preferred, pediatric thoracic procedures remain technically challenging because of limited intrathoracic working space.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 6-year-old girl with an asymptomatic mediastinal mass demonstrated interval growth of a cystic lesion in the right superior mediastinum on serial imaging. Single-port robotic resection was performed using the da Vinci SP system through a single intercostal incision with low-pressure carbon dioxide insufflation. The cyst was completely excised without rupture or complications. The postoperative course was uneventful, and histopathology confirmed a bronchogenic cyst.

CONCLUSIONS

This case suggests that resection using the da Vinci SP system may be technically feasible in a highly selected pediatric mediastinal lesion when adequate working distance and floating docking can be achieved. Rather than demonstrating superiority or broad applicability, this report provides practical technical insights into the potential use of the SP platform in a confined pediatric thoracic cavity.