WVU Medicine Team Performs Innovative Surgery to Treat Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In West Virginia, smoking and lung cancer rates are significantly higher than the national average. With a focus on integrated care and cutting-edge technology, a team at WVU Medicine recently took a significant step to improve lung cancer care.

A team from the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute (HVI) and the WVU Cancer Institute, led by Jason Lamb, M.D., chief of the Division of Thoracic Surgery in the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, recently performed West Virginia’s first single-port robotic-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy.

In appropriate cases, the single-port system allows resection of lung cancer or other chest lesions via a single incision and one unique articulating arm, rather than the three-to-five small incisions typically used in minimally invasive robotic chest surgery. Using this new system, standard lung cancer resections have the potential to be completed with less pain, shorter hospitalization, and faster recovery.

“The introduction of single-port robotic surgery represents a significant advancement in the lung cancer care we provide,” Dr. Lamb said. “As the first hospital in West Virginia to offer this innovative approach, we plan to incorporate the technique across HVI and our Thoracic Division at WVU Medicine, enhancing the latest medical advancements while keeping patients closer to home.”

Though lung cancer is one of the main indications, the single-port robotic-assisted thoracoscopic system can also be used in the chest to define indeterminate lung nodules, perform lung biopsies, accomplish other chest resections, among an increasing number of other uses throughout the rest of the body.

“Unfortunately, West Virginia has higher than average lung cancer rates and lower screening rates,” Lamb said. “If you have a family history, smoking history, or symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or persistent cough – see your doctor and get screened.”

Patients can request a referral for a CT scan from their physician or by completing the self-referral form online. The WVU Cancer Institute also offers mobile lung cancer screenings throughout West Virginia, providing an option for those who may not live close to a healthcare facility.

“Incorporation of the latest technology to advance the care we provide is central to our mission at WVU Medicine and the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute,” Vinay Badhwar, M.D., executive chair of HVI and chair of the Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, said.

“As one of the leading centers for robotic cardiothoracic surgery in the country, the application of single-port therapy further enhances the care Dr. Lamb and our Thoracic Division are providing for our state and our patients.” “This procedure showcases the integrated, compassionate care across the system we are able to provide to treat patients with cancer,” Hannah Hazard-Jenkins, M.D., executive chair and director of the WVU Cancer Institute, said. “Being able to work alongside our colleagues in other specialties allows us to enhance access to cancer care and treatments.”

For more information on the WVU Heart and Vascular Institute, visit WVUMedicine.org/Heart. For more information on the WVU Cancer Institute, visit WVUMedicine.org/Cancer.