Lee Health has not only embraced robotic-assisted surgery — it has become a leader in surgical innovation. Today, we have a fleet of 32 state-of-the-art robotic systems for 13 different specialties and the expertise of more than 100 physicians trained in robotic-assisted procedures.
In late 2023, Lee Health added the Intuitive ION robotic-assisted bronchoscopy platform to our program, enabling physicians to perform minimally invasive lung biopsies to help detect lung cancer sooner. Our team recently surpassed the milestone of 1,500 robotic bronchoscopies.
“Completing 1,500 robot-assisted bronchoscopies here at Lee Health is a number we celebrate; however, that number doesn’t actually tell the whole story,” explains Lee Physician Group Pulmonologist Shyam Kapadia, M.D. “Behind each procedure is an expert team that delivers on the message that we hold true to our heart: each one of those procedures represents a life changed, a family member given hope, a neighbor who is going to see their friend another time, another day, week, year.”
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States, and in Lee County, four people are diagnosed every day. Of the 1,500 procedures our team performed, 78% led to a confirmed lung cancer diagnosis. The ION bronchoscopy helps save lives through earlier detection of lung cancer, enabling surgical intervention. Beyond the numbers, this technology is saving lives every day, like Toni, whose lung cancer was discovered and cured within three weeks. You can meet her and Dr. Kapadia and hear her story by visiting tinyurl.com/IONHealthMatters.
Dr. Kapadia and his colleagues, as well as leaders and physicians throughout Lee Health, are committed to embracing technology and continuing to grow the robotics program to help further improve the quality, safety and outcomes for our patients and community.
“The ripple effects of completing 1,500 lung biopsies really can’t be quantified,” Dr. Kapadia adds. “The true impact is measured in the countless ripples of strength, courage and hope that it brings to our community.”
With technology, expertise and compassion, Lee Health is shaping the future of cancer care in our community.
Larry Antonucci, M.D., MBA is the president & CEO of Lee Health, Southwest Florida’s major destination for health care offering acute care, emergency care, rehabilitation and diagnostic services, health and wellness education, and community outreach and advocacy programs. Visit LeeHealth.org to learn more.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Lee Health: Surpassing 1,500 robotic bronchoscopies, advancing detection of lung cancer
Reporting by Larry Antonucci / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
