A mother of two in California is enjoying life once more after a groundbreaking surgery that utilized a robot to assist in the removal of her breast cancer.
Vicky Pang, 46, discovered she had triple-negative breast cancer—an aggressive type—when she found a lump during a self-examination. Sadly, it had already spread to her lymph nodes.
Reflecting on her diagnosis, she mentioned a “deep-seated fear,” explaining that the entire family felt scared and shocked by the news.
Pang underwent the first robotic single-port mastectomy in the U.S. that wasn’t part of a clinical trial, performed at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Oakland.
She expressed mixed feelings, stating, “I was nervous and excited at the same time. It was my first major surgery, but I was eager to get the tumor out of my body.”
Thanks to a $2 million robot, the surgery incisions are tiny, leaving the nipple and skin intact, which helps reduce both disfigurement and recovery time.
Until recently, this procedure was limited to a few facilities due to strict eligibility criteria in clinical trials. However, as more hospitals gain access to the necessary technology and train additional surgeons, that’s beginning to change.
Will the surgery be successful?
Dr. Rita Kwan Feinberg, who performed the surgery, noted that the only part not handled by the robot was a small initial incision, roughly the size of a paper clip. The necessary instruments are generally located beside the chest.
The robot allows surgeons to see beyond the capabilities of human vision, a feature known as “3D vision.”
“You can see tiny blood vessels pulsing,” Kwan Feinberg explained. “The magnification and detail are so impressive—you can literally see blood flowing through the veins.”
This precision is crucial during a mastectomy, particularly in removing cancerous tissue while avoiding excess that could affect the skin.
Robotic technology enhances this accuracy, as she described: “We’re transforming the surgeon’s movements from large instruments used directly on tissue to these tiny instruments that can delicately dissect.”
Importantly, the robot is never autonomous; it operates under the surgeon’s control.
Robot named Carol
In December, the FDA approved the da Vinci SP surgical system for nipple-sparing mastectomy procedures.
While relatively new in the U.S., the robot has been successfully utilized around the globe for several years, according to Kwan Feinberg.
This advancement has allowed U.S. surgeons to learn from their counterparts in countries like Italy and South Korea. Training on the robot is essential for both surgeons and operating room staff.
“It definitely requires intense training,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of positioning the patient safely and maintaining sterilization protocols.
The robot, although pricey at $2 million, has versatile applications. The FDA has approved it for various surgeries, including urological and colorectal procedures.
Interestingly, the robot has a name—Carol—chosen in honor of the donor’s wife who played a role in its introduction at the medical center.
“He experienced a lot of sorrow after his wife passed away from breast cancer, but he turned that heartbreak into something positive,” Kwan Feinberg shared.
Release the nipples
This new mastectomy technique shows promise for better outcomes in terms of tissue preservation, diminished pain, and quicker recovery, all while enhancing the breast’s appearance.
However, retaining the nipples goes beyond aesthetics. Kwan Feinberg highlighted the physical and psychological advantages of minimizing body changes after a cancer diagnosis. “Cancer can transform a person’s entire life, so preserving one’s identity contributes to dignity and self-image.”
Pang described experiencing hair loss and bodily changes due to chemotherapy, stating, “Anything that helps minimize loss and preserve identity is a kind of benevolence.”
She mentioned her recovery was “very smooth” with “pretty minor” pain, adding that three weeks post-surgery, she was able to move around and even enjoy a brief trip to the beach. “The results were as expected.”
Currently in remission, she continues with chemotherapy and immunotherapy to prevent a recurrence and plans for reconstructive surgery but feels she is “on the road to healing.”
Expressing gratitude for being a cancer survivor, she reflected, “My priorities have shifted, and I’m more appreciative of everything. I don’t take tomorrow for granted and cherish the present for my family.”
