From Open Surgery to Robotics: One Patient’s Remarkable Lung Cancer Recovery
Skip Powers knows what it’s like to face lung cancer – not once, but twice. His first lung surgery, in 2022, was an open procedure that left him hospitalized for nearly two weeks and recovering for months. But his second surgery, in 2024, performed using robot-assisted technology at UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was a very different experience.
“I went home the next day,” Powers says. “The recovery was like night and day.”
A Surprising Discovery
Powers’ lung cancer journey began by accident. “I was getting a CT scan to check on my kidneys,” he explains. That scan revealed a tumor, and Powers was diagnosed with kidney cancer. His right kidney was removed soon after. At a six-month follow-up, another scan revealed a suspicious spot on his right lung.
A biopsy confirmed lung cancer. “They said they needed to remove the top lobe,” Powers says. “Thankfully, I didn’t need chemo or radiation after that.”
But the surgery itself was a major undertaking.
Powers’ 2022 procedure was an open lung surgery performed by Garry Weide, DO, cardiothoracic surgeon at UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s Heart and Lung Surgery. Dr. Weide made a large incision in Powers’ side, spread his ribs and removed the cancerous lobe. The surgery took several hours.
“I was in the hospital for 11 days,” Powers recalls. “It took me a long time to bounce back. The pain was intense, and recovery lasted months.”
Then, a year later, a follow-up scan revealed a new cancerous spot – this time on his left lung.
“I told them, ‘Let’s get it out.’ I didn’t want to walk around with cancer,” Powers shares. “But I was nervous. The first surgery was so hard.”
That’s when he learned about a new option: robot-assisted lung surgery.
Faster Recovery, Less Pain with Minimally Invasive Robotic Surgery
Madison, Dr. Weide’s nurse, explained that the surgeon now performs the procedure robotically, offering patients a much less invasive alternative.
Powers was immediately on board. “I said, ‘I’m doing robotic.’ And I’m so glad I did.”
In 2024, Powers returned to St. Luke’s for robot-assisted lung surgery. The procedure took just one hour.
“With robotics, we make four small incisions for the robotic arms, and one to remove the tissue,” says Dr. Weide. “There’s no rib spreading, which reduces trauma, pain and recovery time.”
“The robotic surgery was a piece of cake compared to the first,” Powers says. “I went home the next day and was back to feeling like myself in no time. There was barely any pain.”
According to Dr. Weide, recovery from open lung surgery typically takes two to three months. “With robotics, recovery is often cut in half or shorter. It’s a dramatic improvement for patients.”
Faster Diagnosis with Robotic Bronchoscopy
Robotic technology at St. Luke’s is transforming not just surgery, but diagnosis. Powers’ first lung cancer diagnosis required months of waiting for tests and scheduling. The second time, he received his biopsy, diagnosis and surgery within a few weeks.
This faster timeline is possible thanks to the Ion Endoluminal Robotic Bronchoscopy System (ION), which pulmonologists use to diagnose lung nodules in a single, minimally invasive step – even in hard-to-reach areas.
“The earlier lung cancer is diagnosed and treated, the greater the chance of survival,” explains Hamad Azam, MD, pulmonologist with UnityPoint Clinic - Multi-Specialty - Cedar Rapids. “The ION allows us to offer faster, more precise care. It’s a lifesaving tool.”
A Leader in Robotic Surgery in Iowa
St. Luke’s was the first hospital in Cedar Rapids to perform robotic surgery, beginning in 2005. Today, it remains one of the few hospitals in Iowa to offer robotic lung lobectomy—the procedure Powers had.
“The benefits are clear,” says Dr. Weide. “Quicker recovery, less pain, improved surgical precision. The robot offers eight to 10 times magnification and mimics the movement of a surgeon’s hand in tight spaces. The end result – removing the cancer – is the same. But how we get there makes a big difference for the patient.”
Commitment to Excellence in Surgical Care
St. Luke’s has long been known for its exceptional surgical care, and its exclusive partnership with Linn County Anesthesiologists, PC (LCA) – the area’s only anesthesiology group – marks a significant advancement in surgical care for the community. This strategic partnership further demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to offering the latest technologies and best practices in patient care.
Back to Life, Faster
Now cancer-free, Powers is grateful for the care he received – and the technology that helped him heal faster.
“I highly recommend robotic lung surgery,” he says. “The second time, I felt like myself in a matter of weeks. No comparison.”
For patients like Powers, innovation in robotic surgery isn’t just about advanced technology – it’s about getting back to life. Faster.