Robotic Bronchoscopy Now Available in Decatur

Local patients now have access to a high-tech procedure for lung biopsies, thanks to a partnership between Decatur Memorial Hospital and Memorial Specialty Care Pulmonology.

Robotic bronchoscopy is an innovative technology that allows biopsy to be performed on areas deep within the lungs that traditional methods can’t reach. A very thin, flexible tube called a catheter is guided with exact precision into the lungs to collect very small samples of tissue, giving the physician more options for diagnosis while helping patients experience less discomfort.

“Bringing robotic bronchoscopy to DMH means our patients no longer have to leave the community to receive this level of advanced diagnostic care,” said Kimberly Paskiewicz, system administrator for specialty services at Memorial Health. “It’s incredibly meaningful to offer such innovative technology right here at home, where patients feel supported and surrounded by their own care teams.”

Faster Recovery, Faster Answers

Robotic bronchoscopy has some significant benefits over traditional biopsy methods:

• Lower Risk. As a minimally invasive procedure, robotic bronchoscopy reduces the likelihood of complications and helps keep patients safer.
• Faster Recovery. Most patients recover quickly and return to their normal routines sooner than with more invasive procedures.
• Clearer Imaging The robotic bronchoscopy system integrates with advanced imaging tools, giving physicians a clearer view and improving instrument guidance.
• Quicker Answers. With its precision and efficiency, robotic bronchoscopy helps doctors diagnose lung conditions faster, allowing patients to begin appropriate treatment without delay.

Who Can Benefit

This screening is intended for patients who have lung nodules that need further investigation, or those who are suspected of having lung nodules. Patients can be referred by their primary care physicians or pulmonologists.

People who are at higher risk for lung cancer and other lung diseases include current and former smokers, as well as those who were exposed to cancer-causing substances during careers in agriculture, manufacturing and the military.

“What I’m most excited about in adding a robotic bronchoscopy system here at DMH is that it will augment things we already do, including our robust lung cancer screening initiative and collaborative relationships with local cancer specialists,” said Dr. Patrick Sylvester, a pulmonologist at Memorial Specialty Care Pulmonology.