da Vinci^® Lung Surgery

Physician Specialists
James L. Lonquist M.D., F.A.C.S
James L. Nielsen M.D. F.A.C.S

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among both men and women. In fact, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast and prostate cancers combined. With research estimating more than 200,000 Americans will be diagnosed with lung cancer this year, advances in lung surgery are more important than ever. 

If your doctor recommends surgery to treat lung cancer, you may be a candidate for a safe, effective and minimally invasive procedure. Using the most advanced technology available, da Vinci Surgery provides your doctor with superior vision, precision, dexterity and control. A da Vinci Lobectomy (removal of the section of the lung containing the tumor) allows for improved access inside the chest cavity and lungs. Because da Vinci Surgery is performed through a few tiny incisions, spreading your ribs to access the lung is avoided. da Vinci is minimally invasive, unlike thoracotomy. Thoracotomy is the traditional way to access the chest cavity; it requires a long incision between the ribs, and often a long and painful recovery.

A da Vinci Lobectomy offers lung cancer patients the benefits of surgery, but with a minimally invasive approach.
Those potential benefits include:

• Less Pain
• Fewer complications
• Three to four dime-sized incisions
• Decreased blood loss
• Faster Recovery
• Quicker return to daily activities

The da Vinci Surgical System is designed to provide surgeons with enhanced capabilities, including magnified, high-definition, 3D vision. Your doctor controls the da Vinci System, which translates his or her hand movements into smaller, more precise movements of tiny instruments inside your body.  Though it is often called a “robot,” da Vinci cannot act on its own. The surgery is performed entirely by your doctor.

Together, da Vinci technology allows your doctor to perform complex procedures, such as a lobectomy, through just a few tiny openings. As a result, you may be able to get back to normal activities faster - without the usual recovery following major surgery.

The da Vinci System has been used successfully worldwide in hundreds of thousands of procedures to date.
As with any surgery, these benefits cannot be guaranteed, as surgery is specific to each patient and procedure. Before you decide on surgery, discuss treatment options with your doctor. Understanding the risks of each treatment can help you make the best decision for your individual situation.