Robotic Surgery Dramatically Reduces Recovery Time for Kentucky lung Cancer Patients
LEXINGTON, KY – July 18, 2024 – A new robotic surgery system at UK HealthCare’s Markey Cancer Center is offering Kentucky residents a faster, less painful path to recovery following lung cancer surgery. the single-port robotic approach, recently utilized in the case of Grayson resident Brenda Binion, substantially reduces postoperative pain and narcotic use, allowing patients to return to their lives sooner.
The innovative technology allows surgeons to perform complex procedures through a single, small incision, minimizing trauma to the body.”We are seeing a dramatic decrease in the amount of postoperative pain and the amount of postoperative narcotic use,” explained Dr. Shah, a member of the UK Markey Cancer Center team. “We predict this will lead to shorter recovery times,return to work sooner,and a return to life sooner.” This advancement is especially impactful for patients like Binion, who also serve as caregivers.
Brenda Binion underwent a lower lobe segmentectomy – the removal of a section of the lower lobe of the lung – on July 1st at UK Chandler Hospital. Prior to the surgery, Binion was the primary caretaker for her husband, making a prolonged recovery period untenable.”I think the adaptation of the single port robot will be a game changer for the residents of Kentucky,” Dr. Shah stated.
Binion reported experiencing minimal soreness after the three-hour procedure and required no pain medication.She was discharged from the hospital just two days later, returning home to Grayson with her husband and dog, Bentley. “I wasn’t one bit nervous when I whent into surgery,” Binion said. “Dr. Shah just made me feel so cozy. She’s the best doctor.”
Remarkably, Dr. Shah personally called Binion shortly before leaving for vacation to deliver positive news: the surgery was successful, and she was cancer-free. “How many doctors do that? Not very many,” Binion remarked.
UK HealthCare officials hope the expedited recovery times will also encourage more individuals to pursue lung cancer screening and treatment. “We are very excited to be able to bring this new technology to the patients of Kentucky and surrounding regions and hope that we can help a broader range of patients,” Dr. Shah added.
Patients interested in learning more about candidacy for robotic surgery for lung cancer treatment are encouraged to ask their primary care provider for a referral to UK HealthCare: https://ukhealthcare.uky.edu/markey-cancer-center/cancer-types/lung-cancer.
