Lung Nodule Evaluation Using Robotic-Assisted Bronchoscopy at a Veteran’s Affairs Hospital

The detection of pulmonary nodules has increased with advances in imaging and screening, yet diagnostic challenges remain with conventional techniques. Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy combined with electromagnetic navigation has been developed to improve nodule localization and diagnostic yield. We report our initial experience in 25 patients undergoing robotic-assisted bronchoscopy and biopsy. Diagnostic yield was 96% with no periprocedural morbidity. Most nodules were malignant or atypical, commonly located in the right upper lobe, and measured a median of 1–2 cm. Based on biopsy results, 75% of patients proceeded to cancer-directed treatment, while 25% underwent surveillance. These findings suggest that robotic-assisted bronchoscopy is a safe and accurate approach for evaluating lung nodules, warranting further study in larger cohorts.