Robotic surgery improves lung cancer procedure

As a Pensacola retiree who enjoys an active lifestyle, Deborah has always stayed proactive about her health. During a routine CT scan, doctors discovered a small growth on her lung that began to enlarge over the next few months. Wanting to stay close to home for treatment, her niece, who works as a surgical tech at Ascension Sacred Heart, suggested her aunt should schedule an appointment with Dr. Christopher Ellington, a thoracic surgeon at Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Center.

“I felt immediately at ease,” Deborah said. “Dr. Ellington’s confidence, compassion, and clear explanations made me feel like I was in the right hands.”

Dr. Ellington used two of the most advanced robotic surgical systems only available at Ascension Sacred Heart in this region to remove the growth in her lung. The Ion Robotic Bronchoscopy System and the da Vinci 5 (DV5) are an innovative, dual-robot approach to minimally invasive procedures, helping surgeons achieve a level of precision and efficiency, often completed under a single anesthetic, that only Ascension Sacred Heart currently offers in the region.

The Ion system provides 10x magnification and real-time 3D image guidance, allowing surgeons to navigate even the smallest, hardest-to-reach areas of the lung. Once the tumor was located, Dr. Ellington used the new da Vinci 5 robotic surgical system to remove the tumor. This robotic system allowed her surgeon to enhance his vision with 3D technology and gave him the sense of touch with the force feedback. 

The procedure successfully removed all of Deborah’s cancer. She experienced minimal pain, recovered quickly, and soon returned to the hobbies she loves.

“I’m grateful to use the Ion and da Vinci 5 systems to help patients like Deborah,” Dr. Ellington said. “Together, they allow me to reach difficult areas of the lung safely and precisely, improving diagnostic accuracy, surgical precision, and overall patient experience.”

Deborah credits both her care team and the advanced technology for her positive outcome. “Dr. Ellington and his team guided me through every step,” she said. “I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung cancer, or you’re concerned about your risk, you don’t have to travel far for advanced, compassionate care. The doctors and multispecialty care teams at Ascension Sacred Heart Cancer Center provide personalized treatment and support services.

Learn more about our minimally invasive robotic lung procedures or schedule an appointment with Dr. Ellington.