EVANSTON, Ill. - Endeavor Health has been named one of 15 sites in the nation and the only one in Illinois to participate in a clinical trial to evaluate robotic-assisted, single-incision surgery for nipple-sparing mastectomies with immediate reconstruction. The minimally invasive procedure, which preserves the nipple and leaves only a small, hidden scar on the side of the body, could potentially lead to significant improvements for certain patients following breast cancer surgery. The robotic, single-incision approach, which is more widely used in Europe and Asia, could result in reduced postoperative pain, earlier return to normal daily activities, minimal scarring and increased skin preservation with improved sensation.
“This clinical trial is an important opportunity for us to evaluate a minimally invasive approach for nipple-sparing mastectomies in selected patients,” says Katherine Kopkash, M.D., Director of Oncoplastic Breast Surgery, Endeavor Health NorthShore Hospitals and the principal investigator for the study. “Endeavor Health is participating in this multi-institutional trial examining innovative, state-of-the-art technologies that may help improve outcomes.”
For the robotic-assisted procedure, which will be performed at Endeavor Health Evanston Hospital, surgeons will use the single-port da Vinci SP robotic-assisted surgical system, manufactured by Intuitive, the study sponsor. The SP system, with enhanced lighting and magnified views of the targeted anatomy, has shown a high level of instrument versatility, flexibility and precision for surgeons in other FDA-cleared procedures.
“Our goal in the treatment of breast cancer is excellent oncologic and cosmetic outcomes that preserve our patient’s quality of life and sense of self,” says Dr. Kopkash. “This clinical trial will examine the use of important new technology that may provide significant short-term and long-term benefits to our patients.”
The study is open to patients in the early stages of breast cancer who qualify for a nipple-sparing mastectomy. Participants will be part of a comparative and randomized trial, meaning half will receive traditional open nipple-sparing surgery and others will undergo the single-incision robotic procedure. This trial has been reviewed and approved by Endeavor Health’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) process and protocols.
For more information or to determine eligibility for the procedure, call (847) 570-1512 or visit clinicaltrials.gov.
