Elliot L. Servais, MD, Editor

Peter J. Smit, MD, MS, Editor

To provide a thorough review of current practices for robotic thoracic surgery, we invited experts in the field from across the country to contribute and share their experiences. The first four articles are essential reading for any robotic thoracic surgeon, including the history of robotics for thoracic surgery, how to develop a robotic program, managing complications, and resident training. The remaining articles focus on all areas of the thoracic cavity, including first rib resection, tracheobronchomalacia, lung resections, esophagectomy, mediastinal mass resection, diaphragm plication, and finally, robotic bronchoscopy. These topics were chosen to highlight the most common procedures being done today by thoracic surgeons and to provide surgeons at any level of training a comprehensive review of the role robotics currently has in our field.

We appreciate the opportunity to serve as editors for this issue of Thoracic Surgery Clinics both to learn from our colleagues and to share best practices that will continue to advance the field of robotics for the betterment of our patients.