Port placement in robotic thoracic surgery for inferior mediastinal tumors.

Robotic surgery for inferior mediastinal tumors located below the inferior vein is rare. The difficulty of resection varies depending on port placement and approach, especially on the left side. Considering that we have tried three different approaches for left inferior mediastinal tumors, we identify the advantages and disadvantages of each method. The approach from three arms and one assist placed on the ventral side of the inferior angle of the scapula is the best access for inferior mediastinal tumors. If the Si system is used, the patient cart should approach from the caudal side and dock on the dorsal side.