Comparison of efficacy and costs between robotic-assisted and conventional thoracoscopic approaches for partial pulmonary resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of propensity score-matched studies
Abstract
Background This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate differences in perioperative outcomes and costs between robotic-assisted partial pulmonary resection (RAPPR) and video-assisted thoracoscopic partial pulmonary resection (VATPPR). Methods We systematically searched MEDLINE, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases for relevant studies published between March 2015 and March 2025. Propensity score-matched non-randomized controlled studies comparing RAPPR with VATPPR were included. Results Eight propensity score-matched studies involving 3,104 patients were included: 1,528 patients underwent RAPPR and 1,576 underwent VATPPR. RAPPR was associated with longer operative time and higher medical costs, but patients had more lymph nodes dissected, shorter drainage tube duration, and shorter hospital length of stay. No significant differences were observed between the two groups in conversion to thoracotomy rates or complication rates, including persistent air leak, pneumonia, and chylothorax. Conclusions RAPPR demonstrates comparable surgical efficacy to VATPPR with advantages including more thorough lymph node dissection, earlier drainage tube removal, and earlier patient discharge. However, RAPPR requires longer operative time and higher costs. The choice between surgical approaches should consider these clinical factors comprehensively.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 3,104 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Penicillins for Treatment of Pneumococcal Pneumonia: Does In Vitro Resistance Really Matter?
- Thiophenes—Naturally Occurring Plant Metabolites: Biological Activities and In Silico Evaluation of Their Potential as Cathepsin D Inhibitors
- Inhalable Mannosylated Rifampicin–Curcumin Co-Loaded Nanomicelles with Enhanced In Vitro Antimicrobial Efficacy for an Optimized Pulmonary Tuberculosis Therapy
- Development and validation of microbial bioassay for quantification of Levofloxacin in pharmaceutical preparations
- GC-MS Analysis and Biomedical Therapy of Oil from n-Hexane Fraction of Scutellaria edelbergii Rech. f.: In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Approach
- Propranolol, chlorpromazine and diclofenac restore susceptibility of extensively drug-resistant (XDR)-Acinetobacter baumannii to fluoroquinolones
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.