Robots take on breast cancer surgery in tiny pilot trial
NCT ID NCT04537312
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This pilot study tested whether a robot-assisted surgical technique (using the daVinci system) can safely remove breast tissue while sparing the nipple in people with early-stage breast cancer or those needing preventive mastectomy. Only 4 participants were enrolled, and the study focused on feasibility, surgical time, and complications like bleeding or infection. Because it is very small and early, the results are preliminary and not yet generalizable.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Robot-assisted nipple sparing mastectomy (using the daVinci surgical system)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that robot-assisted mastectomy is safe and feasible, potentially offering a less invasive surgical option for some breast cancer patients.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small pilot study with only 4 participants, so results may not apply widely. The procedure is still experimental and risks like bleeding, infection, or skin necrosis are being evaluated.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States
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