Lexington, KY, October 4, 2025
News Summary
Shelia Binion, a Lexington resident, faced lung cancer on her birthday but opted for a pioneering robotic lung surgery. Following a successful lower lobe segmentectomy using the Da Vinci SP robot, she celebrated being cancer-free. Health professionals advocate the importance of screening for lung cancer, especially in Kentucky, which has the highest rates in the U.S.
Kentucky Woman Celebrates Cancer-Free Milestone After Pioneering Robotic Lung Surgery on Her Birthday
LEXINGTON, KY – On her birthday, Shelia Binion faced a daunting challenge: a lung biopsy prompted by a CT scan that revealed a growing lung nodule. The biopsy was essential to determine if the nodule could be cancerous, particularly after her doctor found it during investigations for a breast abscess.
After undergoing the biopsy, Binion experienced complications that led to the collapse of her lung, necessitating a hospital stay. A follow-up diagnosis revealed that she had Stage 1 lung cancer, which required surgery to remove a portion of her lung. Concerned about the potential impacts of a traditional invasive surgery, especially as a caretaker for her husband with mobility issues, Binion sought alternatives.
Fortunately, she was identified as a suitable candidate for a cutting-edge surgical procedure utilizing Intuitive’s Da Vinci SP robot, a minimally invasive system recently approved by the FDA specifically for thoracic surgery. UK HealthCare’s Chandler Hospital in Lexington is the only facility in Kentucky currently employing this advanced robotic technology for such procedures.
Minimally Invasive Solution
The SP robot performs surgery through a single-port incision, which significantly reduces post-operative pain and lessens the need for narcotics during recovery. Binion underwent a lower lobe segmentectomy that lasted approximately three hours, and after just two days in the hospital, she was discharged. Remarkably, she reported minimal discomfort and required no pain medication during her recovery.
Upon receiving the good news from her surgeon that the procedure was successful and she was cancer-free, Binion celebrated this pivotal moment with her family, marking both her birthday and her newfound health.
Other Experiences and The Importance of Screening
Binion’s journey highlights ongoing challenges faced by lung cancer patients. For instance, Elizabeth Williams, another patient, found her lung cancer diagnosis unexpected after suffering from a chronic cough. She, too, underwent surgery followed by targeted therapy.
Health professionals emphasize the necessity of taking lung symptoms seriously, especially since lung cancer can affect nonsmokers as well. Recent advances in treatments and diagnostic measures, along with improved early detection, have led to enhanced survival rates for lung cancer patients.
According to the University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center, Kentucky experiences the highest lung cancer rates in the United States. Contributing factors include high rates of smoking, radon exposure, and occupational lung diseases linked to coal mining. To address this critical issue, the Markey Cancer Center has instituted programs that utilize the ion endoluminal system, facilitating timely diagnosis and treatment with advanced robotic systems.
The combined approach of diagnosis and immediate treatment not only improves patient outcomes but also significantly reduces anxiety associated with the healthcare process, providing patients with efficient care through innovative solutions.
Trends in Lung Cancer Treatment
- Five-Year Survival Rate: Noticeable improvement over the last decade.
- Screening Recommendations: Early screening is crucial, especially for smokers.
- Emerging Treatments: New therapies and technological advancements are increasingly available.
Conclusion
As survival rates improve and fewer patients experience severe post-operative discomfort, early intervention and innovative surgery have the potential to change the landscape of lung cancer treatment across Kentucky, benefitting those at risk of this prevalent illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lower lobe segmentectomy?
A lower lobe segmentectomy is a surgical procedure where a small section of the lung is removed to eliminate diseased tissue, often used in the context of lung cancer treatment.
What is the Da Vinci SP robot used for?
The Da Vinci SP robot is a minimally invasive surgical system that uses advanced robotics to perform complex surgical procedures through a single incision, leading to reduced recovery time and pain.
Why is early detection important for lung cancer?
Early detection of lung cancer significantly enhances the chances of successful treatment and improves the five-year survival rates for patients.
What are the main risk factors for lung cancer?
The primary risk factors for lung cancer include smoking, exposure to radon gas, occupational hazards (like those in coal mining), and a family history of lung cancer.
How has lung cancer treatment improved over the years?
Advancements in technology, innovative therapies, and improved methods for early detection have collectively led to better outcomes and increased survival rates for lung cancer patients compared to a decade ago.
Key Features of Robotic Lung Surgery
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Procedure Type | Minimally invasive lower lobe segmentectomy |
| Equipment Used | Da Vinci SP robot |
| Incision Type | Single-port incision |
| Recovery Duration | Hospitalized for 2 days |
| Pain Management | No narcotics required |
| Outcome | Successful surgery with no cancer |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- LEX18: Lexington Woman Shares Lung Cancer Journey
- Wikipedia: Lung Cancer
- Spectrum News1: Lung Cancer Removal Innovations
- Google Search: Lung Cancer Treatment Advancements
- Kentucky.com: Opinions on Lung Cancer
- Google Scholar: Lung Cancer Screening
- FOX56: Lexington VA’s Lung Cancer Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lung Cancer
- LEX18: UK Healthcare Offers Same-Day Lung Cancer Treatment
- Google News: Lung Cancer Screening Importance
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON KY STAFF
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexingtonKY.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
