South Australia has introduced its first robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, giving clinicians a new tool to diagnose suspected lung cancer with greater precision and access to areas of the lung that have traditionally been difficult to reach.
The technology allows specialists to navigate deep into the lungs with fine, controlled movement, enabling biopsies of small or hard-to-access nodules. Clinicians say this can improve diagnostic accuracy, particularly in cases where conventional bronchoscopy or imaging-guided procedures may struggle to safely reach a lesion.
Earlier and more precise diagnosis is central to improving outcomes in lung cancer care. Patients diagnosed at Stage 1 have a five-year survival rate of more than 80 per cent, underlining the clinical importance of identifying disease as early as possible and beginning treatment without delay.
The service at the Royal Adelaide Hospital is available to patients across South Australia, as well as the Northern Territory and parts of regional Victoria and New South Wales. Health officials say the system may also reduce the need for repeat procedures and help limit complications associated with more invasive biopsy techniques.
The robotic-assisted bronchoscopy system enables physicians to target lesions located close to sensitive structures, including those positioned near the heart or deep within the lung tissue. This capability was central to the treatment of one of the first patients to undergo the procedure, Jayne Saul.
Ms Saul was referred for robotic bronchoscopy after a new lung lesion was detected in a position considered difficult to biopsy safely using standard methods. The robotic system allowed clinicians to reach the lesion directly, supporting a timely diagnosis and enabling treatment planning to begin sooner.
Speaking about the experience, Ms Saul said she felt confident in the medical team and comfortable with the approach taken. She noted that being part of the early use of the technology gave her reassurance, particularly knowing the system was designed to support precision in targeting the lesion. She also reflected that medical innovation is progressing quickly and said she did not view robotic-assisted procedures with concern.
Health Minister Blair Boyer said the introduction of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy strengthens South Australia’s approach to adopting new medical technologies in public healthcare settings. He said the system provides clinicians with improved precision when investigating suspected lung cancer and supports faster diagnostic pathways for patients.
He added that earlier diagnosis can broaden treatment options and improve patient outcomes, particularly in conditions where time to detection plays a critical role in prognosis. He also pointed to the role of the Central Adelaide Local Health Network and the Royal Adelaide Hospital in bringing advanced medical systems into routine clinical use.
Consultant respiratory physician Professor Phan Nguygen said South Australian patients have now had access to robotic-assisted bronchoscopy through a successful trial period supported by the Central Adelaide Local Health Network. He said the technology allows more accurate and safer biopsies for patients with lung cancer or cancers that have spread to the lungs.
He noted that only a small number of specialists in South Australia are currently trained in the technique, and said it enables access to small lung nodules that may previously have required multiple procedures or were not reachable using standard approaches. According to him, this can reduce diagnostic uncertainty and help patients begin treatment at an earlier stage where outcomes may be improved.
Clinical teams involved in the rollout say the technology represents a shift in how complex lung lesions can be approached, particularly where precision and reduced risk are key concerns. They emphasise that the system is intended to support, rather than replace, clinical judgement, working alongside existing diagnostic pathways.
As use of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy expands, clinicians expect it to become part of a broader suite of tools aimed at improving lung cancer detection across South Australia’s public health system and beyond.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
