We describe the technique for the first robotically assisted bilateral bronchoplasty for the treatment of tracheobronchomalacia. Since 1954, this disease process has been treated with a right thoracotomy and posterior splinting of the tracheal membrane with mesh to restore the C-shape of the trachea. Traditional video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery has been of limited benefit in these cases owing to technical challenges. A robotically assisted technique offers the dual benefit of a minimally invasive port-based system while reproducing an open surgical technique.
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