Patients with suspected lung cancer now have access to earlier and more accurate diagnosis, with South Australia’s first robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system now operating at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
The new technology allows specialists to navigate deep into the lungs with near needle-like precision, making it possible to biopsy small and hard-to-reach lung nodules that may previously have been difficult or impossible to access through conventional methods.
By improving access to these areas of the lung, the system can help clinicians identify cancerous cells earlier and support faster treatment for patients. The state government says lung cancers diagnosed at Stage 1 have a greater than 80 per cent chance of five-year survival, highlighting the importance of early detection.
The service is available to patients from across South Australia, the Northern Territory and parts of regional Victoria and New South Wales. It may also reduce the need for repeat procedures and help minimise complications linked to traditional biopsy techniques.
One of the first patients to undergo the procedure was Jayne Saul, who was referred for robotic bronchoscopy after a new lung lesion was detected close to her heart. Its location made it extremely difficult to safely biopsy using conventional methods.
Using the robotic-assisted system, specialists were able to directly access the lesion, enabling an early and accurate diagnosis and allowing treatment to begin as soon as possible.
Health and Wellbeing Minister Blair Boyer said the technology was an important step forward for patients and clinicians.
“The introduction of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy reinforces South Australia’s reputation as a leader in adopting innovative healthcare technologies,” he said.
“This advanced technology gives clinicians greater precision when investigating suspected lung cancer and supports faster diagnoses for patients.
“Earlier diagnosis can improve treatment options and outcomes for patients.
“Lung cancer remains one of the most challenging cancers to diagnose and treat, which is why innovations like robotic bronchoscopy are so important.
“The Royal Adelaide Hospital continues to play a leading role in bringing advanced medical technologies to patients across South Australia and beyond.”
Professor Phan Nguyen said South Australian patients had access to the technology during a successful trial period supported by the Central Adelaide Local Health Network.
“South Australian patients for the first time have had access to cutting edge robotic assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) with the support of the Central Adelaide Local Health Network during a very successful trial period,” he said.
“Patients with lung cancers or cancers of any kind that have spread to the lung are now able to have more accurate and safer biopsies.
“RAB allows the only two physicians in SA trained in this technology to access small lung nodules that previously have been impossible to reach or required multiple procedures. This reduces diagnostic uncertainty and anxiety for patients, reduces complications and allows cancers to be treated at an earlier, curable stage.”
For Jayne, the experience was a positive one.
“I had all the faith in Dr Phan and in the team and had a very positive experience. I am very honoured to have been selected as part of the trial. It was reassuring to know it would be able to grab more of the tumour,” she said.
“I was chuffed to find out that morning I would undergo the robot-assisted procedure. I’m not adverse to having robotic procedures as it’s charted to do what it has to do.
“It helps the surgeons out and removes that potential element of human error.
“Research and things we can do now medically is moving so fast – it’s not something to be scared of.”
The introduction of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy marks a major milestone for healthcare in South Australia, with the technology now part of clinical practice at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.
