How robotic bronchoscopy is changing lung cancer care at Sentara Health

The advanced technology helps physicians biopsy smaller, hard-to-reach lung nodules, giving patients earlier answers and more treatment options

For patients facing a suspicious lung nodule, waiting for answers can be stressful. Traditionally, some small or hard-to-reach lesions required ongoing imaging and monitoring before a biopsy could be performed. Now, advanced robotic technology is changing that care journey, helping physicians get to smaller areas of the lungs with greater precision and diagnose lung cancer earlier.

"Our first procedure at Sentara Leigh Hospital was in February 2026, and we have done about 140 since," said Simanta Dutta, M.D., pulmonology and critical care specialist. "The experience has been awesome from a physician perspective as well as a patient point of view. We have been able to diagnose many lung cancer cases from early stages. It's made a tremendous impact on disease progression."

Reaching smaller nodules with greater precision

Sentara Health uses the Intuitive ION robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system, which combines advanced robotic guidance with real-time imaging to help doctors navigate deep into the lungs. The technology also gives them the ability to biopsy nodules that are very small. Dr. Dutta and his team are already seeing just how small those targets can be.

"We are focusing on smaller and smaller lesions," he said. "The tiniest so far has been a 7 mm nodule - the size of a kernel of corn."

Earlier answers can change the outcome

One of the most significant benefits of robotic bronchoscopy is the opportunity to diagnose lung cancer before it advances. Of the first 100 cases performed at Sentara, 73% of the lung cancers diagnosed were found in stages one and two.

Early-stage diagnosis can open the door to more treatment options and much better outcomes. Patients whose cancer is detected before it spreads may be candidates for definitive treatment, allowing many to return to their everyday routines and enjoy a good quality of life.

"The higher the stage, the higher the mortality and morbidity," Dr. Dutta said. "When patients are seen early, they can get treatment and go on to live a very normal life."

One patient's story

For 74-year-old Theresa Kristofak, routine lung cancer screening made all the difference. As a former smoker, she made a point of getting an annual low-dose CT scan. In September 2025, one of those screenings revealed a very small nodule in her lungs.

Because the spot was so small, her pulmonologist initially recommended another CT scan in six months. When the follow-up scan showed the nodule had doubled in size, her Sentara care team recommended a robotic bronchoscopy to obtain a biopsy.

The lesion was measured at approximately 8 mm and was located high in her lungs, making it a particularly challenging target.

And despite her uncertainty, Kristofak was pleasantly surprised by how simple the procedure was.

"It was just so easy," she said. "I could not believe how easy and painless it was. It was a complete non-event. I went back to work the next day."

About a week later, the biopsy results came back and confirmed that the nodule was malignant. Because the cancer had been identified very early, Kristofak was able to undergo surgery to completely remove it. Following treatment, she is considered cancer free.

Today, she is feeling great, enjoying time with her family, and getting on with life.

"I am so blessed and grateful for the care I received," she said.

Her experience has also made her a passionate advocate for lung cancer screening.

"I tell everybody to take advantage of that CT scan," she said. "It was my lifesaver."

Theresa Kristofak and her husband

Who should get screened

Annual low-dose CT (LDCT) scans are recommended for people at increased risk of lung cancer. Despite their ability to detect small abnormalities before symptoms develop, screening remains underutilized.