OU Health Performs First Single-Port Robotic Thoracic Surgery in 7-State Region

OU Health performed the first single-port robotic thoracic surgery in a seven-state region, marking a groundbreaking advancement in minimally invasive surgery that could transform patient care across the region.

Thoracic surgeon Dr. J. Matthew Reinersman, M.D., FACS, associate professor and chief of the Section of Thoracic and Foregut Surgery in the Department of Surgery at the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, successfully completed the first single-port thymectomy on a patient with severe myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disorder that affects muscles.

The patient experienced almost no pain and was discharged home the following morning, marking a dramatic improvement over traditional surgical approaches.

What Makes This Surgery Revolutionary

Traditional thoracic surgery for conditions like myasthenia gravis typically requires four separate incisions through the sides of the chest, each about one centimeter in size. The new single-port robotic technology allows the entire procedure to be performed through just one small incision below the xiphoid process, which is the pointed bottom tip of the breastbone located just above the abdomen.

“We’re not going through the ribs anymore. We are going below the ribs,” said Dr. Reinersman. “Going between the ribs can cause irritation to the nerve that runs along the rib and injure the muscles between the ribs. Every time you take a deep breath, cough, move, or twist a certain way, it’s going to hurt. If the rib spaces are not violated, patients experience less pain, recover quicker, and return to normal function faster.”

The single-port approach also offers superior visualization for surgeons.

“Previously, it was challenging to obtain a clear view across the entire chest from one side,” Dr. Reinersman said. “However, by approaching just below the sternum and observing from above, it is now possible to rotate the camera and gain a comprehensive view of both sides. This method significantly improves visibility of both phrenic nerves and the entire mediastinum.”

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder in which patients produce antibodies that target their muscle receptors, causing them to get progressively weaker throughout the day as they use their muscles more.

“They can’t maintain muscle strength, experiencing drooping eyelids, swallowing difficulties, and worsening muscle weakness,” Dr. Reinersman said. “Removing their thymus gland can sometimes lead to significant improvement in symptoms and reduced medication.”

New Technology With Limited Availability

The da Vinci SP robotic surgical system used in this procedure received FDA approval for thoracic surgery less than 12 months ago, and Dr. Reinersman was among the first 20 thoracic surgeons in the world to receive specialized training on this advanced technology.

OU Health was uniquely positioned to launch this program due to Dr. Reinersman’s extensive experience.

“I was already a high-volume multi-port robotic surgeon with the experience and expertise to transition to the single-port system,” he said. As one of only two thoracic oncology surgeons at OU Health, Dr. Reinersman brought the specialized skills necessary for this groundbreaking technology.

The training process involved simulation training, hands-on experience at the company’s facility performing operations, and oversight by a proctor during initial cases.

OU Health is currently the only program in Oklahoma offering this technology. This procedure marked the first thoracic single-port operation performed in Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Arkansas, Colorado, Missouri and Louisiana.

Patient Benefits and Future Impact

The single-port approach offers several advantages over traditional multi-port surgery:

• Dramatically reduced pain – patients experience minimal discomfort compared to traditional approaches
• Faster recovery times – patients can return home sooner and resume normal activities more quickly
• Better cosmetic results – only one small scar instead of multiple incisions
• Reduced risk of nerve damage – avoiding cuts between ribs eliminates the risk of intercostal nerve injury

“This technology represents the next evolution in minimally invasive surgery,” said Dr. Reinersman. “We can now take procedures that were already minimally invasive and make them even less traumatic for patients.”

Conditions Treated

• The single-port robotic system can treat various thoracic conditions, including:
• Myasthenia gravis (through thymectomy)
• Lung tumors and cancers
• Mediastinal masses (tumors in the chest cavity)
• Esophageal conditions
• Other diseases affecting organs in the chest

Looking Ahead

OU Health plans to expand the single-port robotic program incrementally, with Dr. Reinersman already performing additional procedures and preparing to transition most eligible cases to this approach. This technology represents what he calls “the most technically advanced” thoracic surgery available today.

The program aims to stand out in patient care and outcomes, attracting regional patients for advanced, minimally invasive surgeries. Many patients were previously being referred out of state for advanced procedures because referring physicians weren’t aware that OU Health offered these options.

The success of this first procedure demonstrates OU Health’s commitment to bringing the latest medical innovations to Oklahoma and the surrounding region, ensuring patients have access to the most advanced treatments available anywhere in the country.