Work

Diagnostic patterns after adoption of shape-sensing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy: a retrospective cohort study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths, due in part to the high proportion of late-stage diagnoses. Shape-sensing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy (ssRAB) is a novel bronchoscopic platform that enhances access to peripheral pulmonary lesions. However, its impact on diagnostic stage and procedural outcomes in clinical practice is not well established in the literature. This analysis assesses the impact of a new ssRAB program on these outcomes at a single site within an academic health system. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent an ssRAB biopsy following an abnormal lung imaging study at a single center in the United States from September 2020 to December 2023. The primary outcome was diagnostic stage. Secondary outcomes included histopathological findings, nodule size, sensitivity, and intraoperative complications. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and logistic regression to evaluate diagnostic trends over time. Results: A total of 399 patients underwent ssRAB, with 397 (99.5%) receiving a tissue biopsy during this period. Diagnostic yield was 94.0% ( n = 373). Median nodule size was 16 mm (IQR: 12–28 mm). Over the study period, the odds of an early stage diagnosis increased by 5.2% each quarter( P = 0.0485), a trend towards a decrease in nodule size (0.8 mm, P = 0.09) and two pneumothorax events (0.5%) Conclusion: Implementation of an ssRAB platform was associated with an increased rate in early stage cancer diagnoses. These findings may suggest that integrating advanced bronchoscopic technologies into lung nodule evaluation pathways, including screening programs and expedited pulmonology referrals for incidental nodule findings, may enhance early diagnosis and improve clinical outcomes.

Source: Annals of Medicine and Surgery

DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000004187

Authors: Mounir Ghali, Sam E. Wing, Adam Gaertner, Marci Smigiel, Cade A. Cantu, Peter Y. Hahn

Institutions: University of Michigan, Intuitive Surgical (United States), Central Michigan University

Language: English

Topic: Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,850