In a breakthrough for Cincinnati patients, Dr. Esther Cheng, an ear, nose and throat surgeon at Christ Hospital, employed a specialized “single‑port” robotic system to remove a tumor located at the back of a patient’s tongue. The procedure, performed on 73‑year‑old Wayne Jung, avoided the need for traditional open surgery and eliminated the prospect of chemotherapy.
Advanced technology, precise results
The single‑port robot provides a high‑definition, three‑dimensional view of the surgical field and instruments that can be maneuvered through a single small incision. “The robot gives us accessibility, the kind of high‑definition view of the area that we didn’t have before,” Dr. Cheng said, noting that the technology allows for greater precision while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissue.
Dr. Cheng is currently the only surgeon in the region using this advanced platform, which has been adopted in a handful of major medical centers nationwide. Its minimally invasive nature reduces postoperative pain, shortens hospital stays, and speeds recovery—critical benefits for older patients like Mr. Jung.
Patient perspective
Mr. Jung expressed deep gratitude for the care he received. “Without it being placed into the skilled hands of somebody as extraordinary as Doctor Cheng, it was her and her team that dramatically changed the trajectory of my outcome,” he said.
He also highlighted his lifestyle choices, noting that he never smoked and was not a heavy drinker—factors that typically increase risk for the type of cancer he faced. He first sought medical attention after noticing swelling in his lymph nodes, underscoring the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking prompt evaluation.
Implications for the community
The successful use of this robotic system at Christ Hospital signals a growing capability for high‑tech, patient‑centered care in the Cincinnati region. As more surgeons become trained on the platform, other patients with hard‑to‑reach tumors or complex head‑and‑neck conditions may benefit from similar minimally invasive approaches.
Hospital administrators have indicated plans to expand the robot’s use to other specialties, including thoracic and urologic surgery, further enhancing the hospital’s reputation as a leader in innovative medical care.
Looking ahead
While the technology represents a significant advancement, Dr. Cheng emphasizes that it complements, rather than replaces, the expertise of skilled surgeons. “The robot is a tool that extends our hands and eyes,” she said. “It allows us to treat patients more safely and effectively, but the surgeon’s judgment remains paramount.”
For Cincinnati residents, the availability of such cutting‑edge treatment options at a local hospital means fewer trips to distant specialty centers and greater confidence that world‑class care is accessible close to home.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
