Hospital Sant Pau in Barcelona has become a pioneer in Europe by implementing a revolutionary technique for the removal of pulmonary nodules.
This medical advance allows for the detection, marking and resection of benign or malignant lung cysts in a single procedure.
The goal is to provide a less uncomfortable experience for the patient and a minimally invasive surgery that speeds recovery.
Under the direction of Dr. Juan Carlos Trujillo, head of Thoracic Surgery, a multidisciplinary team of professionals performed this pioneering operation in Europe at Hospital Sant Pau.
By merging radiological and surgical techniques, the process is simplified, avoiding patients having to undergo multiple procedures on different days.
Previously, patients had to undergo a computed tomography (CT) scan and mark the lung nodule with a radiotracer prior to surgical resection.
What does the new technique at Hospital Sant Pau consist of?
Thanks to the new technique, the patient is sedated and intubated in the operating room, where the diagnosis is made, the nodule is marked with a fluorescent dye and removed.
In the first stage, bronchial electromagnetic navigation is used through bronchoscopy, which allows access to the pulmonary nodule following a pre-planned route.
This procedure offers a higher diagnostic yield compared to conventional bronchoscopy for detecting lung lesions suspicious for malignancy.
Once the nodule is located and precisely marked, thoracic surgeons go into action using the Da Vinci robot, a minimally invasive technique that reduces patient morbidity and speeds recovery.
Dr. Trujillo emphasizes that this new procedure offers multiple advantages, such as reduced morbidity and improved quality of diagnosis and treatment.
In this way, the patient does not have to undergo double anesthesia or change areas within the hospital.
Benefits for patients
One of the patients who underwent this pioneering procedure, Enric Gotanegra, was able to return home just four days after the intervention.
Since the implementation of this technique at Hospital Sant Pau on March 20, 2023, five other similar interventions have been performed.
The benefits of unifying the phases of therapy, increasing the accuracy of diagnosis and surgery are reflected in the rapid recovery and well-being of patients.
Accurate diagnosis and localization of the nodule are essential to be able to use minimally invasive surgical techniques and compensate for the loss of touch that this implies for surgeons.
The new technique makes it possible to ensure correct resection, whether for malignant or benign lesions, and to guarantee adequate margins.
