Learning Curve for Full-Port Robot-Assisted Mediastinal Mass Resection: A Retrospective Study

The advent of Da Vinci robotic technology has revolutionized the surgical management of mediastinal masses. However, research on the learning curve of full-port robot-assisted mediastinal mass resection remains limited. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 74 consecutive patients who underwent full-port robot-assisted mediastinal mass resection performed by a single surgeon at our center. Operative time (OT) was analyzed and standardized using multiple linear regression. The cumulative sum (CUSUM) method was then applied to construct the learning curve, and general clinical characteristics along with perioperative parameters were systematically evaluated. multiple linear regression identified lesion size and intraoperative blood loss as significant factors influencing OT ( P  < 0.05), with OT standardized using regression coefficients. A CUSUM chart based on OT was then generated, revealing a peak in the learning curve at the 29th case. Cases 1–29 were classified as the learning phase, and cases 30–74 as the proficiency phase. The mean OT in the proficiency phase was significantly shorter, and intraoperative blood loss was notably lower compared to the learning phase. However, no significant differences were identified between the two phases in terms of other clinical characteristics or perioperative parameters.