Lung nodules can be scary, especially since they are associated with lung cancer. The good news is that many of these little lung tissue growths are benign. Even so, lung nodules should be evaluated and, if necessary, removed. Thankfully, technological advances have changed how we diagnose and treat lung nodules with Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery (RATS) leading the way. By combining precision with minimal invasiveness, RATS is changing thoracic care, giving patients a safer, faster and better way to manage lung nodules.
What are Lung Nodules?
Lung nodules are small round growths on the lung, often found incidentally during routine imaging tests like chest X-rays or CT scans. They can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Causes of lung nodules are many, from infections and inflammation to tumours. Early detection is key so timely intervention and treatment can be done, especially if the nodules are malignant.
Causes of Lung Nodules
There are many causes of lung nodules; each needs a different approach to diagnosis and treatment. Advanced imaging, like PET scans, can give more information about the nodules to help healthcare providers decide what to do next.
Some of the common causes are:
- Infections: Like pneumonia and tuberculosis
- Tumours: Lung cancer is a major cause of lung nodules and needs prompt evaluation and treatment.
- Benign Growths: Non-cancerous growths like hamartomas or adenomas can also present as lung nodules.
- Scarring: Previous lung injuries or surgeries can leave scar tissue that shows up as nodules on imaging tests.
Knowing the underlying cause of a lung nodule is key to deciding the treatment approach, whether it’s monitoring, medication or surgery.
Symptoms of Lung Nodules
Lung nodules often do not cause symptoms. This means they are more frequently discovered incidentally during imaging tests. But when symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
See a healthcare provider for evaluation if you experience any of these symptoms. Early detection and diagnosis can make a big difference in treatment outcomes, especially for lung cancer.
Diagnosing Lung Nodules
Lung nodules, ranging from a few millimetres to several centimetres, are often found during routine imaging tests like chest X-rays or CT scans. Infections, inflammation, or cancer can cause them. Determining whether a nodule is benign or malignant is key, as benign nodules stay stable and are not a health risk; malignant ones need attention.
Size, shape and growth rate all inform the decision. Suspicious nodules often require a biopsy or surgical removal for a definitive diagnosis. Early detection and treatment are critical, especially in early-stage lung cancer, where surgical resection can significantly improve patient outcomes. This is where RATS shines. It’s a precise and minimally invasive way to evaluate and manage lung nodules, reducing patient risk and improving outcomes.
How Does Robotic-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Help Surgeons?
Robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) uses the latest robotic technology to assist surgeons. Unlike open surgery, which requires large incisions and trauma to the chest wall, RATS allows for precise surgery through small incisions.
The surgeon controls the robotic arms from a console during the procedure and can see the surgical site in full 3D high-definition. Like the da Vinci surgical system, robotic technology helps the surgeon be more precise and in control.
These robotic instruments are more dexterous than human hands, allowing for precise dissection and tissue handling in complex or delicate lung areas. This is especially useful when nodules are small or deep in the lung tissue.
RATS in Lung Cancer Surgery
RATS has a dual role in diagnosing and treating patients with suspicious lung nodules. During a robotic-assisted procedure, the surgeon can remove the nodule entirely for biopsy while preserving as much healthy lung tissue as possible, allowing for a faster recovery than traditional lung surgery. It gives a definitive diagnosis and minimises the need for additional surgeries.
If the nodule is malignant, RATS can then transition to a therapeutic intervention like a lobectomy or segmentectomy. Doing diagnostic and curative procedures in one sitting reduces overall treatment time and optimises patient outcomes. RATS also excels in lymph node dissection, a critical part of lung cancer surgery. Complete removal of lymph nodes ensures accurate staging, reduces the risk of cancer recurrence, and gives patients the best chance of long-term survival.
What to Expect During Surgery
During robotic-assisted thoracic surgery, the surgeon will make several small incisions in the chest to insert a camera and specialised surgical instruments. Using a robotic surgical system, the surgeon controls these instruments from a console, allowing precise movements and better visualisation of the chest cavity. The procedure is done under general anaesthesia and takes several hours to complete. The surgeon will remove the lung nodule or affected lung tissue with minimal disruption to surrounding structures, a thorough and effective treatment.
As with any surgery, robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) has potential risks and complications. These include bleeding, infection, respiratory problems, cardiac issues, anaesthesia-related complications, nerve damage, and post-thoracotomy pain syndrome. These risks are also present in traditional lung surgery and are lower in RATS due to the less invasive nature of the operation. Talk to your thoracic surgeon to discuss these risks and benefits and determine if RATS is right for you. By knowing the outcomes and preparing ahead of time, you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
The Patient Experience with RATS
RATS benefits not only surgeons but also patients. Compared to open thoracotomy, which involves long recovery and significant post-op pain, RATS is a minimally invasive option with fewer complications.
RATS patients experience less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery time. Many can go home in a few days and go back to light activities within a week. This fast recovery allows patients to return to their everyday lives with minimal disruption, which is essential for those balancing treatment with work or family responsibilities. The accuracy of robotic surgery diminishes the likelihood of complications, such as infections or extended recovery times, and bolsters patients’ confidence in their treatment process.
RATS vs Other Minimally Invasive Thoracic Surgery Approaches
RATS is more precise and versatile than other surgical techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) or open surgery.
VATS is another minimally invasive approach, but it requires 2D visualisation and limited instrument dexterity, which can be challenging in complex cases. Medical guidelines are accepting and recommending minimally invasive techniques like VATS for early-stage lung cancer because they offer the benefits of fewer complications, less pain, and shorter hospital stays.
RATS addresses these limitations by providing 3D visualisation and articulated robotic instruments, allowing surgeons to navigate complex anatomy easily. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery also has fewer complications and shorter recovery times than open thoracotomy. This is very important in lung nodule surgery, where precise localisation and excision are key.
Why Choose Neumark Lung & Chest Surgery Centre for RATS?
Neumark Lung & Chest Surgery Centre specialises in robotic-assisted thoracic surgery, combining the latest technology with expertise to offer you personalised, precise, and compassionate care. We will guide you through your treatment journey with clarity and support from consultation to post-operative recovery. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lung nodules, don’t wait to seek expert help.
Contact Neumark Lung & Chest Surgery Centre today to learn how robotic-assisted thoracic surgery can provide precise, minimally invasive treatment and peace of mind.
