Vandalia Health physician reaches 100th milestone in advanced lung cancer detection procedure

Vandalia Health proudly announces that Peter Kochupura, MD, Medical Director of Pulmonology, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, has successfully completed his 100th robotic-assisted bronchoscopy — a significant milestone that reflects the continued growth and advancement of pulmonary services across the region.

Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, which Dr. Kochupura performs using Intuitive’s Ion platform at Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center in Morgantown and Vandalia Health Mon Preston Memorial Hospital in Kingwood, allows physicians to reach small lesions in all 18 segments of the lung with greater reach, precision and stability than traditional bronchoscopy. The minimally invasive approach enhances the ability to detect lung cancer at earlier stages, improving outcomes while allowing most patients to return home the same day.

“Reaching 100 procedures is an exciting milestone — not just for me, but for our entire pulmonary team,” said Dr. Kochupura. “This technology gives us the ability to find lung cancer earlier and more accurately, which truly saves lives. We’re proud to offer our patients this level of advanced care locally.”

“Completing 100 robotic-assisted bronchoscopy procedures is a powerful reflection of Vandalia Health’s commitment to expanding advanced specialty care throughout our region,” said Ashley Nickelson, BSN, RN, Service Line Director, Surgical and Medical Specialties. “The Ion platform represents some of the most advanced bronchoscopy technology available nationwide. Through our continued investment in innovation and coordinated pulmonary care, patients across North Central West Virginia can access this advanced diagnostic tool and expert specialty care close to home, without traveling out of state.”

In addition to robotic-assisted bronchoscopy, Vandalia Health also offers endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) for lung cancer staging, further expanding minimally invasive options to evaluate and sample lung and lymph node tissue. 

As lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, early detection is critical. The continued growth of robotic-assisted bronchoscopy procedures at Vandalia Health underscores the system’s dedication to improving access, advancing technology and strengthening respiratory care across rural West Virginia.

For more information, visit MonHealth.com/Pulmonary.