Brandon Hospital celebrates 100th robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, helping fight lung cancer
This outpatient procedure helps physicians' diagnosis lung cancer earlier.
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month and just before the start of the month, the surgical team at HCA Florida Brandon Hospital performed the 100th robotic-assisted bronchoscopy at Brandon Hospital. In the fight against lung cancer, this outpatient procedure can dramatically aid early diagnosis. It allows physicians to identify the specific stage and characteristics of tumors and streamlines patients quickly from biopsy to treatment.
“Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy allows for incredible accuracy and fewer side effects,” said pulmonologist, Dr. Dragos Zanchi. “Ultimately, we are constantly looking at ways to provide the best outcomes for our patients. From our first case in March of this year to our 100th now, we are able to diagnose and treat patients faster than ever.”
Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy uses a small camera at the end of a flexible tube, typically smaller than the tubes used in traditional bronchoscopy. The tube is inserted into a patient’s airway through the nose or mouth. Images are provided through a video screen so the physician can take photos of the lungs. Biopsies are collected during the procedure to determine if a lung nodule or mass is cancerous. The robotic-assisted bronchoscopy has the ability to reach more difficult parts of the lung than traditional bronchoscopy.
The first robotic-assisted bronchoscopy was completed at Brandon Hospital in March of this year. The 100th procedure was completed on October 5.