Robotic thoracic surgery: a support team to replace the bedside surgeon

Establishing a new robotics program presents a unique set of challenges that differ from routine operative procedures. These include training robotic staff, operating room logistics, and surgeon training. As the surgeon moves away from the patient bedside, the responsibilities of the bedside team and circulating staff must increase to fill that void. Therefore, a critical element of robotic thoracic surgery is the training of the robotic team to facilitate fluid movement of the patient through the surgical process. We report our process in establishing a thoracic robotics program with an emphasis on the training personnel.