SGMC Health has successfully performed its first robotic-assisted lung biopsy using the state-of-the-art Ion robot, marking a major advancement in lung cancer detection and treatment for the region. This milestone underscores SGMC Health’s commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care.
The innovative procedure was performed by expert pulmonologists Apurva Panwala, MD, and Vivek Yadav, MD. Dr. Panwala expressed his gratitude to his colleagues, leadership, and the pulmonology and endoscopy teams that brought this cutting-edge technology to SGMC Health.
“Last week, we biopsied our first patient with the Ion robot and gave this person an answer to their suspicious mass—an answer they desperately needed to move forward with treatment,” said Dr. Panwala. “We will identify many more nodules for surgery and other therapies, helping our patients get answers sooner so they can navigate and access high-quality care close to home.”
The Ion robotic-assisted platform represents a transformative leap in lung cancer diagnostics. This technology is designed to improve the accuracy and safety of lung biopsies, even in hard-to-reach areas. With an ultrathin, highly maneuverable catheter, Ion allows physicians to navigate the narrow and complex pathways of the lungs with unprecedented precision. This capability is critical, as more than 70% of lung cancer nodules are located in the outer one-third of the lung, where traditional biopsy methods can be challenging.
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with a five-year survival rate of only 28% for non-small cell lung cancer—the most common form. Early detection is crucial, as outcomes improve significantly when the disease is identified in its early stages. The Ion robot enables SGMC Health to accelerate intervention, enhancing the likelihood of early diagnosis and improving patient survival rates.
The addition of the Ion robot to SGMC Health’s fleet of Da Vinci Robotics further strengthens the health system’s commitment to robotic-assisted procedures across multiple specialties. By integrating cutting-edge robotic technology into its thoracic oncology program, SGMC Health continues to enhance minimally invasive surgical capabilities, improving patient outcomes and recovery times.
“This is only the beginning,” Dr. Panwala added. “The Ion robot is one step along our journey to building a world-class thoracic oncology program at SGMC Health. We have big plans for the future, and we remain steadfast in our mission to provide the highest standard of care to the people of Valdosta and beyond.”
For more information about SGMC Health’s lung cancer program, visit sgmc.org.