Establishment of a Robot-Assisted Bronchoscopy Program at a Veterans Affairs Hospital

Lung cancer has high mortality rates attributed to late diagnosis and treatment. Robot-assisted bronchoscopy (RAB) offers promising solutions to these challenges, enabling precise navigation and biopsy of small and difficult-to-reach lung nodules. We present the early outcomes and challenges encountered in establishing an RAB program at a Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center. The experience of establishing infrastructure, the allocation of resources, and forming a multidisciplinary team is discussed. Challenges such as funding allocation, technological integration, and logistical hurdles are addressed. Despite challenges, the successful establishment of an RAB program demonstrates the transformative potential in enhancing diagnostic precision and patient outcomes within a VA hospital, thus providing a blueprint for nationwide adoption. Future directions include expanding procedural capacity through workforce training, leveraging advanced imaging technology, and establishing a training center for other VA RAB teams. The integration of RAB into VA healthcare systems represents advancements in lung cancer care for veterans.