TIFTON — Southwell recently announced two significant milestones in robotic-assisted procedures at Tift Regional Medical Center.
Dr. Rubal Patel, pulmonary medicine and critical care specialist, has successfully completed her 100th ION Robotic Bronchoscopy, while Dr. Andrew Nackashi and his Operating Room team have reached a milestone of 500 da Vinci robotic surgical cases.
Dr. Patel, who also serves as the medical director of pulmonary medicine and critical care at TRMC, has been at the forefront of utilizing new technology to aid in the early detection of lung cancer. The ION Robotic Bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows Dr. Patel to navigate a highly flexible, ultra-thin tube equipped with a camera deep into the lungs to locate suspicious nodules. The enhanced dexterity of this steerable tube enables access to areas that were previously unreachable with standard bronchoscopes.
Before the procedure, a chest CT scan is performed to generate a detailed 3D map of the airway, allowing for precise planning of the pathway to the target area. This technology provides significant benefits to patients, including the elimination of the need for incisions, reduced risk of complications, and a typically quick recovery time, with most patients returning to their normal activities the same day, the health care system said in a press release.
In addition to this milestone, Southwell is also celebrating Dr. Nackashi and his Operating Room team’s accomplishment of completing 500 da Vinci robotic surgical cases. This advanced robotic platform allows surgeons to perform complex, minimally invasive procedures with precision and accuracy, Southwell said. The da Vinci system expands the surgeon’s capabilities, offering an alternative to open surgery with robotic instruments that have a greater range of motion than the human hand. The smaller incisions used in da Vinci surgeries result in less trauma to the body, leading to reduced pain, fewer complications, and shorter recovery times for patients.
“We are incredibly proud of both Dr. Patel and Dr. Nackashi for their dedication to providing the highest level of care to our patients,” said Chris Dorman, president and CEO of Southwell. “The adoption of robotic technology has allowed us to enhance the precision, safety, and outcomes of procedures we offer. Our skilled teams have embraced this cutting-edge technology, which has translated into faster recovery times, reduced pain, and improved overall experiences for our patients.”
Dorman further explained, “As we celebrate these milestones, we remain focused on the future. We will continue to invest in advanced technologies and training to ensure that our patients have access to the best possible care. Our goal is to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible in treatment options, always with the well-being of our patients as our top priority.”
For more information on robotic-assisted procedures at TRMC, visit mysouthwell.com.