EJGH Physician Passes Surgical Milestone
Completes 100th Cancer Lobectomy using the VATS procedure

Metairie, LA – Dr. Michael Brothers of East Jefferson General Hospital has performed his 100th complete anatomic lobectomy with lymph node dissection for lung cancer using the Video Assisted Thoracic Surgery (VATS) procedure.  As the only physician in the area performing this particular minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Brothers removes cancerous areas of the lungs and lymph node chains through several small holes.

The traditional method of performing an anatomic lobectomy calls for a large incision, the patient to be cut the through the chest muscles and have the ribs spread to open the area that needs to be removed.  It then requires the patient to remain in the hospital for one to two weeks.

Under the VATS procedure, the entire operation takes place through several holes, approximately the diameter of a large pencil.  The cancerous lobe and lymph nodes are removed through one of the holes while another hole is used for video monitoring. The patient can leave the hospital in approximately two to three days.

Dr. Brothers has performed thousands of lung operations but finds this procedure the most significant development in his career as a chest surgeon.  “This used to be perhaps the most painful surgery a person could have,” says Dr. Brothers. “Now, my patient’s experience is almost pain-free, they awaken immediately after the procedure, and most importantly, it has been a tremendously successful surgery.  You can’t make this surgery any smaller.”

EJGH Pulmonologist and Chief of Staff, Dr. James McCullough, agrees and is very enthusiastic about this new surgical technique. In particular, this type of VATS procedure gives new hope to his patients that may have difficulty coping with an invasive procedure.

“In my experience, VATS has shortened hospital stays, resulted in less post-operative discomfort and has improved patient outcomes,” says Dr. McCullough. “It has allowed me to send patients previously considered at prohibitively high risk for surgical resection.  Older, more chronically ill patients have done well and have had curative resections.”

For 76-year-old Elbert Ainsworth, his surgery went even better than he ever could have imagined.  He had the VATS on Wednesday, October 17 and was home by Sunday.  He was surprised with little to no aftereffects and is excited to say that he is already doing yard work with no restrictions.

“Honestly, the worst pain I had was pulling the tape off the two holes,” says Ainsworth.  “If I had the surgery the other way, and found out about this, I’d be mad as hell. I feel very fortunate. Anyone thinking about having this surgery should look into this.”