Pope Leo XIV Undergoes Successful Lung Surgery Using Spanish-Developed Uniportal VATS Technique

Pope Leo XIV successfully underwent surgery at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital this week to remove a cancerous tumor from his right lung. The 71-year-old pontiff, who spent a calm night following the 90-minute procedure, is reportedly recovering well with minimal pain. Vatican officials confirmed the operation proceeded as planned, marking a significant moment for the leader of the Catholic Church as he begins his post-operative recovery.

The procedure utilized the Uniportal VATS technique, a minimally invasive method pioneered by Spanish surgeon Diego González Rivas in 2010. Expressing pride in the application of his innovation, González Rivas noted that the technique has been adopted in 146 countries worldwide. "The Pope has already been operated on; he is on the ward with hardly any pain and recovering very well," the surgeon stated in a social media update, highlighting the close collaboration between his team and the medical staff at Gemelli.

Uniportal VATS represents a major advancement in thoracic surgery, allowing complex procedures to be performed through a single incision measuring only three to five centimeters. By utilizing a specialized video camera and surgical instruments through this small opening, the technique significantly reduces post-operative pain and shortens hospital stays compared to traditional open surgery. However, the method demands high expertise, requiring surgeons to be proficient in both minimally invasive and conventional thoracic procedures to manage potential complications.

As the Pope continues his recovery, medical teams are currently awaiting the results of further tests to determine if the cancer has spread beyond the initial site. The successful use of this Spanish-developed technique on such a high-profile patient has drawn global attention to the efficacy of minimally invasive thoracic interventions. The Vatican remains optimistic about the pontiff's progress, while the medical community continues to monitor the long-term outcomes of the procedure as the Pope resumes his duties.