ObjectiveTo compare the effect of da Vinci Surgical System and video-assisted mini-thoractomy (VAMT) on postoperative pain of patients with lungs or mediastinal tumor. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 88 patients with lung or mediastinal tumor who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital from January 2015 through April 2015. The patients were divided into two groups including a robot group and a VAMT group. There were 49 patients in the robot group with 23 males and 26 females at age of 55.14±13.03 years and 39 patients with 23 males and 16 females at age of 56.92±8.98 years in the VAMT group. ResultsCompared with the VAMT group, shorter operation time (t=-2.298, P=0.024) and shorter time of drainage (t=-2.421, P=0.018) were found in the robot group with statistical differences. There was a statistical difference in visual analogue scale (VAS) scores of postoperative 24 hours between the robot group and the VAMT group (1.00±0.74 vs. 2.33±1.64, t=-4.704, P=0.000). While no statistical difference was found in VAS scores of postoperative 48 hours (t=-0.244, P=0.808) between the two groups. ConclusionCompared with VAMT, da Vinci Surgical System can be used in the treatment of lung and mediastinal tumor with shorter operation time, shorter time of drainage, less pain, and less invasiveness.