Traverse City, Mich.-based Munson Medical Center has completed its first lung cancer procedure performed entirely under a single anesthetic event, according to a July 29 report from The Traverse Ticker.
The procedure, which took place July 10, involved both a biopsy and surgical removal of cancer during one uninterrupted session, with the patient remaining under one sedation throughout, according to the report.
The approach, part of the hospital’s Ion robotic surgery program, represents a significant advancement in anesthesia planning and perioperative coordination.
Traditionally, biopsy and resection are performed days or weeks apart. By combining them under one anesthetic event, Munson aims to reduce delays in care, improve survival rates and ease patient anxiety, the report said.
Hospital leaders say the technique is not appropriate for all patients, but they hope to expand access for those eligible through a dedicated lung nodule referral program.