DEKALB, IL — Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital recently celebrated a milestone – its 100^th robotic-assisted bronchoscopy surgery. In the innovative procedure, a surgeon takes biopsies of the lung, and a pathologist is present in the room during the procedure. They can diagnose lung cancer in real time. 

Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy is a game-changer for patients in DeKalb and the surrounding communities. The high-tech option is less invasive for patients needing a lung biopsy. Physicians can access the harder-to-reach nodules in the peripheral lung more quickly and safely. Most lung nodules, about 70 percent, are in the peripheral lung, or outer regions of the lung.  

“It’s incredibly stressful for patients to wait for biopsy results. To be able to minimally acquire a tissue sample and analyze rapidly, we can not only ease some of that anxiety for patients, but we can also swiftly get them to treatment,” says Daniel Coomes, DO, an interventional pulmonologist at the Canning Thoracic Institute at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital.

For the procedure, 3D and specialized software is used to chart out a path to the area of concern in a patient's lung. During the bronchoscopy, Coomes uses a controller to navigate a 3.5 mm catheter, which can move 180 degrees in any direction, to the target. Computer-guided navigation and a camera probe provide the physician a real-time view of the lung.  When the nodule is reached, the catheter locks on. Sensors hold it in place as the lungs fill and deflate with each breath. Tissue samples are removed for biopsy. With the tools, an interventional pulmonologist can mark the nodule with a fluorescent dye. This can help a surgeon to remove as little lung tissue as possible in the future.

"Catching the cancer so early was a blessing”

For Nick Brenkus of Gilberts, Ill., the robotic-assisted bronchoscopy was a smooth procedure that helped him get his cancer diagnosis early - making it easier to fight. For three years, Dr. Coomes had monitored a small spot shown on CT imaging of Brenkus’s lung. When it began to grow, he recommended the robotic-assisted bronchoscopy. 

“Quite honestly, he doesn't really remember too much about [the procedure] because it was so easy and so painless,” Nick’s wife, Susan, recalled. “He went in that morning. Dr. Coomes did the bronchoscopy. He was there for maybe another hour in recovery in Kishwaukee. Dr. Coomes said, ‘You know, you might end up with a sore throat or a little achiness,’ but he came home and the next day was back to Nick.”

The biopsy taken during the procedure showed Brenkus had stage one adenocarcinoma, the most common subtype of lung cancer. With a family history of cancer, Nick knew that catching cancer in stage one meant the cancer is small and had not spread to other parts of the body, meaning it was more favorable to treat. 

Because they caught it so early, he was able to have the cancer surgically removed by Northwestern Medicine thoracic surgeon Andrew Arndt, MD. The 76-year-old was able to avoid chemo or radiation because of it. 

“Any of the follow-ups since the surgery have all been good,” Brenkus shared. 

“The fact that Dr. Coomes saw this early on and continued to keep an eye on it really helped with identifying the issue soon enough that we caught this so early. That is a blessing,” Brenkus’ wife Susan said. 

Expanding Access to Robotic Procedures in Dekalb

Robotic-assisted bronchoscopy is one of several robotic-assisted procedures Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital offers. Last year, they completed a $15 million renovation of its surgery suite. Upgrades included adding a second surgical robot and expanding access to minimally invasive robotic surgeries.

“We’re dedicated to making sure our patients have access to these advanced, minimally invasive procedures close to home. This is critical to early diagnosis and treatments for our patients and ensures the highest level of care is available for our community, in our community,” said Maura O’Toole, president of Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital.

Robotic-assisted procedures enable a gentler, more precise approach, helping patients heal faster and return to their daily routines with minimal downtime. Robotic surgical technology can also support prostate, kidney, bladder, and gynecological operations, as well as general surgery procedures like hernia repairs, bowel resections, and appendix removals. 

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States, about one in five cancer deaths. More people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.

To learn more about robotic-assisted bronchoscopy at Northwestern Medicine, visit https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/treatments/ion-lung-screening.

For more information on the Northwestern Medicine Canning Thoracic Institute, visit https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/pulmonary.

DEKALB, IL — September 18, 2025 — Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital recently celebrated its 2,000^th successful robotic-assisted surgery, a milestone made possible by the completion of a $15 million renovation of its surgery suite late last year. Among the upgrades was the addition of a second surgical robot expanding access to minimally invasive robotic surgeries.

Robotic-assisted surgery enables a gentler, more precise approach, helping patients heal faster and return to their daily routines with minimal downtime.

“Our goal in expanding our surgical capabilities with this technology was to help as many of our patients as possible get through surgery with smaller incisions and greater precision,” said Nitzet Velez, MD, general surgery at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital. “Reaching this milestone is a proud moment for our surgeons and staff, knowing our investment is paying off for the people we care for.” 

Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital first introduced the da Vinci Xi Surgical System in its operating room in 2022. Today, the hospital proudly works with two state-of-the-art robotic surgical systems, allowing for more than half of all surgeries to be performed robotically. The robotic technology can support prostate, kidney, bladder, and gynecological operations, as well as general surgery procedures like hernia repairs and bowel resections.

“The completion of our surgical renovation and the addition of a second robotic surgery platform mark a significant milestone for our hospital and reflects our unwavering commitment to expanding access to world-class surgical care,” said Maura O’Toole, president of Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital. “This investment ensures our patients can receive the highest levels of advanced, minimally invasive procedures, close to home.”

Over the past year, Kishwaukee’s surgical team performed 809 robotic surgeries — a 20% increase compared to previous years. With expanded operating room capabilities, the hospital also offers minimally invasive procedures for surgeries that once required traditional “open” methods. Thanks to the addition of a second robot, patients in the DeKalb area can now access advanced, less invasive options for general surgeries including gallbladder removal, adrenal gland removal and appendix removal — all closer to home.

"In the lead-up to my surgery, more than anything I wanted to be back on my feet as fast as possible so I could enjoy my summer,” said Amy McCarney, a patient of Dr. Velez who underwent a reversal of an emergency colostomy with robotic assist this past April. “Having had previous serious surgeries, I was worried about things like pain management and infection risk, but they were not a problem at all for me with this procedure. It’s incredible the difference using the robotics made. I had a great summer.” 

To operate using the robotic devices, surgeons sit at a nearby console to view 3D images of the surgical site and control the arms of the robotic instruments inside the body. The device’s tiny robotic arms and magnifying lenses allow surgeons to make incisions and maneuvers with unprecedented accuracy, typically resulting in better outcomes and quicker recovery times for patients. 

The da Vinci Xi Surgical System is available at locations across the Northwestern Medicine system, including at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Grayslake Outpatient Center. For more information on robotic surgery at Northwestern Medicine, visit: https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/surgical-services/robotic-surgery-services. 

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit https://news.nm.org/.

DEKALB, Ill. – March 13, 2025 – With a family history of colorectal cancer, cousins Linda Bugna, 66, and Bonnie Fisher, 65, both from Genoa, Ill., knew they needed to get screened.

“I think we were both a little nervous. We were 57 and 58 at the time and that’s past due,” said Fisher. “We said, ‘Let's just do it. Let's do it together. Let’s see if they'll do it back-to-back. And we say, ‘Pun intended — back-to-back.”

That same sense of humor came into play as Fisher and Bugna prepared for their first colonoscopies, scheduled at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb in 2016.

While out shopping together, they found humorous t-shirts with a familiar stool-related emoji and they had a nearby t-shirt shop, Wakoh Wear in Genoa, add “Cousin Colonoscopies” to the front.

“Every year that we get our colonoscopies, our friend puts the date on the back and then scratches that date off, until we come in again with the next date. He takes care of us,” Bugna said.

The cousins, who grew up near one another and maintained a close relationship as they aged, have undergone colonoscopies on the same day three times – in 2016, 2019 and most recently, in October 2024.

Making the best of the colonoscopy preparation

In addition to wearing the t-shirts to each colonoscopy, the cousins also drink their required “prep” out of wine glasses. While they complete the prep in their respective homes, the cousins text and Facetime, supporting one another throughout the experience.

“It went down a lot easier imagining it was wine,” joked Bugna.

Colonoscopy preparation often involves drinking a liquid solution the day before. The solution contains electrolytes and laxatives used to clear out the debris and stool from the colon.

David Manuel, MD, a gastroenterologist at Kishwaukee Hospital says the prep is the part of the colonoscopy procedure that patients dread the most.

“We've come a long way with our bowel preparations. They're not as unpleasant as they used to be, and they're the most important part of the test, because the quality of the prep impacts the quality of the exam,” Manuel said.

“One of the misconceptions about colonoscopies is that they are painful. Here at Kishwaukee Hospital, our patients are sedated for their procedure and there's no pain involved,” Manuel said. 

Colonoscopy screening guidelines

The guidelines for colorectal cancer state that adults with average-risk should start screening colonoscopies at the age of 45.

“In patients who have a family history of either colorectal cancer or colon polyps, screening may need to start earlier,” Dr. Manuel said, urging those with a family history to speak with their physician to determine a personalized screening schedule.

“We have an aunt who passed away from colon cancer. Bonnie’s dad had colon cancer. I also have a sister-in-law that had colon cancer,” Bugna said.

While Bugna and Fisher waited longer than advised to get their first colonoscopies, Dr. Manuel applauds their diligence and the approach they’ve taken to screenings since then.

“They advocate for each other. They both want to make sure they stay healthy and prevent problems in their health further down the road, and they're holding each other accountable for that,” Dr. Manuel said.

Comprehensive GI Care at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital

As part of the Northwestern Medicine network, Kishwaukee Hospital offers patients access to world-class care and leading-edge clinical trials. Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital recently completed a $15 million renovation of its 19,000-square-foot surgical area, the first remodel since the hospital building opened in 2007.

The surgical area now includes two endoscopy suites, which both utilize the FDA-approved Medtronic GI Genius™, an artificial intelligence-aided detection system. A study conducted by gastroenterologists at Northwestern Memorial Hospital found use of the GI Genius™ system results in the removal of more adenomas, the most common type of colorectal polyp. Adenomas have the potential to develop into colon cancer over time.

Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital offers a robust interventional gastroenterology program, with four full-time physicians on staff. In addition to the state-of-the-art surgical suites, patients undergoing colonoscopies will also experience recently renovated waiting rooms and pre and post-operative areas. For more information about Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital, visit nm.org. 

The overall rating, between 1 and 5 stars, is based on individual hospital performance in five categories, including safety of care, patient experience, readmission, mortality, and timely and effective care. The ratings are designed to assist patients make decision on where to receive non-emergency, hospital-based care, like scheduled surgeries and procedures.

“We are constantly striving to improve the quality, safety and efficiency of the care we provide to patients, their families and the communities we serve,” said Maura O’Toole, president of Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital. “This recognition is evidence of our progress toward this goal. Great care depends on partnership among all members of the care team.”

Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital was also recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as “High Performing” in three procedures and conditions in its annual Best Hospitals rankings. Kishwaukee Hospital earned the highest designation for treatment of heart attack, heart failure and pneumonia.

Access to comprehensive, quality health care services is important for promoting and maintaining health, preventing and managing disease, reducing unnecessary disability and premature death, and achieving health equity for the communities served.

“When minutes count, hospitals in local communities can and do save lives,” says Tricia Elliott, director of quality and patient safety for Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital. “Hospitals like Kishwaukee have the opportunity to identify the unique needs of the local community and use this knowledge to design and implement improvement programs to deliver better care for the patients we serve.”

CMS Care Compare is a database featuring publicly reported Quality Payment Program (QPP) performance information for doctors, clinicians, groups, and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs). CMS developed the program to help consumers make more informed decisions by giving them a way to compare hospitals based on quality ratings.

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit nm.org.

DEKALB, Ill. - Due to congestive heart failure, 81-year-old Diana Morrasy has experienced some anxiety regarding her health in recent years. Some of that worry has been eased for the Sycamore, Illinois resident, thanks to a remote monitoring system that allows her health care team at the Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute to keep an eye on her vital statistics every day.

Morrasy was the first patient at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital to undergo a procedure to implant a CardioMEMS^TM device. The implant allows remote monitoring of pulmonary artery pressures. Elevation of pulmonary artery pressure can be an early indicator of worsening heart failure. The device is now also available at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital in Geneva, Ill.

“The paperclip-sized device is implanted in the pulmonary artery in a manner similar to a standard right heart catheterization, which is a common procedure performed,” said Christopher J. Berry, MD, interventional cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital. “It has been shown to improve quality of life and reduce heart failure readmissions.”

Following the procedure, the patient receives a special pillow that sends readings from the CardioMEMS sensor. The patient must lie down on the pillow for just a few seconds each day. The sensor sends the readings to a team of physicians and advanced practice nurses to review.

Through remote monitoring, the clinical team can detect changes up to 30 days before the patient would experience symptoms and take proactive action to protect the patient’s health and prevent hospitalization.  

“The CardioMEMS device helps us see signs of fluid buildup in the lungs much earlier than the patient or even the doctor can detect. Fluid accumulates when the heart does not relax or contract to pump the blood as well as it should,” said Michelle C. Montpetit, MD, a specialist in advanced heart failure and heart transplantation at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. “A patient often can have their medication adjusted without being seen in the office each time.”

Earlier this month, the first CardioMEMs procedure at Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital was completed by Nauman Mushtaq, MD, medical director of the Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at Central DuPage Hospital, Delnor Hospital and Kishwaukee Hospital; and William P. Towne, MD, interventional cardiologist at Delnor Hospital. 

"The ability to remotely monitor and adjust medications allows people to continue to enjoy living at home with no disruption in their lives,” said Dr. Mushtaq.

For Morrasy, the device has given her, and her family, some peace of mind. She says the procedure was not difficult and she makes it a routine to lie on the pillow before making her bed every morning.

“I’m at the point that this is a life-saving device,” said Morrasy. “I’ve had enough heart scares that I was more than willing to do this. I’m looking forward to more good years.”

Previously, local patients had to travel to Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield or Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago for the implant. CardioMEMs is also available at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital.

To learn more about cardiovascular services at Northwestern Medicine, visit nm.org/heart.

DEKALB, Ill.  -  For individuals who are experiencing mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders and bipolar disorders, there is often a gap between traditional outpatient services and inpatient hospitalization. To meet the need for these services, Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital opened a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program (IOP) on Monday, November 28, at Northwestern Medicine Behavioral Health Services Sycamore, located at 760 Foxpointe Drive.

Patients in the PHP undergo intensive treatment six hours a day, five days a week, Monday through Friday. The IOP is a lower intensity treatment option than the PHP and higher intensity than basic outpatient treatment, often meeting three to four days per week for a few hours each day. Both programs allow patients to live at home while benefitting from intensive behavioral health care. In either program, patients spend time in several therapy groups, along with psychiatric support, individual counseling and family therapy. 

“Access to more group therapy is especially effective as it helps assure individuals that they are not alone in their thoughts, feelings or circumstances,” said Marissa Kirch, MSW, LCSW, manager of Mental Health PHP/IOP at Northwestern Medicine Behavioral Health Services Sycamore. “Our team of licensed counselors, psychiatrists and advanced practice nurses provide education, individual therapy and guidance, while the group provides feedback and support.” 

According to Kirch, the PHP and IOP are valuable options for patients who are leaving inpatient care but who still need structured, wraparound support for continued recovery. Additionally, these services can benefit people who are unable to receive inpatient care but need more structure and support than traditional outpatient therapy. 

The PHP is an ideal treatment setting for clients who are experiencing a decline in functioning or an increase in symptoms, such as becoming more isolated or expressing suicidal thoughts, but who are not actively suicidal. It is also for individuals who are psychiatrically stable but are using maladaptive coping strategies, such as engaging in self-injury, in response to their personal stressors or moods..

The IOP is ideal for reinforcement of skills and relapse prevention to transition back to daily life including home, school, work and social interaction. 

“Transportation barriers are a big problem for many patients who require these services,” said Kirch. “There is no inpatient hospitalization for mental health services in DeKalb County and there isn’t another partial hospitalization program within 20 miles. We are very excited to bring these services to the DeKalb region.” 

To accommodate the new programs, Behavioral Health Services Sycamore was recently expanded and renovated. The clinic also offers evaluations for mental health treatment, pediatric psychological testing, and outpatient individual, group and family therapy. 

“Our goal is to empower patients with more persistent behavioral health needs to lead meaningful lives with the greatest degree of independence possible,” said Karyn Erkfritz-Gay, PhD, director of Behavioral Health Services at Kishwaukee Hospital. “Our continuum of outpatient programs that now include partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programming can address complex issues with compassion and respect to help patient learn the tools to live a happy and fulfilling life.” 

Currently, the PHP and IOP are accepting referrals for adults. The goal is to also offer the programs to teens ages 13 to 18 in March 2023.

For an appointment or to learn more, please call 815.748.8334. If you are in distress and need immediate assistance, our Behavioral Health hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800.373.3327. For emergencies, please dial 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. 
 

DEKALB, Ill. -  Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital will soon begin a $15 million renovation of its surgical suite. The 19,000-square-foot area has not had a major remodel since the new hospital building opened in 2007. Additionally, the hospital has upgraded to the latest-generation surgical robot, the da Vinci Xi, to offer a wider variety of minimally invasive procedures.

“With the new layout and a little more space, we have room for two additional Same Day Surgery bays, which we need to continue growing surgical services offered at Kishwaukee Hospital,” said JoAnn Ricketts, MSN, director of Surgical Services and Interventional Labs at Kishwaukee Hospital. “The renovation will improve workflow and efficiency, and enhance the environment for our staff and patients.”

Operating rooms and sterile processing areas will remain as is; all other areas are being refreshed and upgraded. The new floor plan will include:

• Seven Post-anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) bays
• Two new flex bays (rooms that can be used for PACU or Same Day Surgery)
• 25 Same Day Surgery bays
• Two endovascular procedure rooms with shared scope reprocessing space
• Renovated waiting room and reception area
• New team areas
• Updated staff break rooms and locker rooms

For patient privacy and comfort, all Same Day Surgery bays will become private rooms, with breakaway sliding glass entry doors. Other improvements include new boom technology and surgical lighting in the endovascular procedure rooms, and all new, state-of-the-art scope reprocessing equipment and scope drying cabinets. The area will get new furniture throughout.

“Our team is passionate about providing the highest-quality outcomes and best patient experience,” said Sarah Snyder, RN, manager of Surgical Services at Kishwaukee Hospital. “This renovation will create a more optimal space to provide exceptional care.”

Preparation work is underway, and construction is scheduled to begin in December. To keep the surgery suite open and operational during construction, the project will be done in four phases. The expected completion date is September 2024.

Kishwaukee Hospital has made an additional investment to upgrade technology within the robotic-assisted operating suite. The da Vinci Xi Surgical System, the latest generation of surgical robots, expands surgeons’ capabilities to perform minimally invasive surgery for even the most complicated scenarios. Surgeons sit at a nearby console to view 3D images of the surgical site and manipulate the arms of the robotic instruments inside the body. The tiny robotic arms allow surgeons to make smaller incisions with greater precision, typically resulting in less pain and less blood loss for the patient.

“The new robot has thinner robotic arms and joints, an improved camera, and is attached to a rotating operating table, which will allow for smaller incisions with more precision,” said Ricardo Soares, MD, urologist and robotic surgeon at Kishwaukee Hospital. “This upgrade will keep us up to date on the most cutting-edge technology.”

Currently, a surgical robot is used for prostate, kidney, bladder and gynecological surgeries at Kishwaukee Hospital. With the new technology, additional robotic-assisted general surgeries will be possible, including hernia repair and bowel resections.

The da Vinci Xi is also available at seven other Northwestern Medicine locations: Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Grayslake Outpatient Center.

The next phase of a $12 million renovation project at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital’s Emergency Department opened March 28th. The modernization plan is 80-percent complete with nearly all patient-facing areas completely overhauled to improve efficiency and the patient experience.

“Our Emergency Department staff is truly extraordinary, and we are excited to offer a physical space that enhances care with better flow and updated equipment,” said Maura O'Toole, president, Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital. “Our community will benefit from the more modern design and numerous upgrades to help ease the stress of an emergency room visit.”

The newly completed phase includes eight exam rooms, two trauma rooms, two isolation rooms and a nursing station. The area is designed in a hub and spoke model, with the clinical workstation in the center and treatment bays around the exterior allowing physicians and nurses improved access to all patients. 

“The flow of the department is increasingly smoother, from the time the patient arrives to the triage area through to discharge,” said Melody Noon, RN, manager, Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital Emergency Department. “Patients experience forward motion so they are being cared for in the appropriate areas for their particular needs and we can more efficiently prepare for the next patient.”

Flow is improved for both walk-in patients and those brought via ambulance. The new ambulance entrance and a room for EMS personnel is better organized for first responders with essential amenities.

This phase also includes an additional behavioral health suite, bringing the total to four treatment bays designed to promote safety for patients and staff. When a bay is being used for a behavioral health patient, an overhead door will be lowered to ensure the patient is protected from any equipment that could be used to cause self-harm.

The first phase of the project, which opened in October 2021, featured a new waiting room, triage area, two isolation rooms and three holding bays for patients waiting for results. Additionally, five fast-track rooms opened that are designed to quickly treat patients with mild ailments and injuries, such as sore throat, urinary tract infections and sprained ankles. 

Throughout the project new medical equipment has been installed, including new stretchers and a second pneumatic tube station to efficiently send specimens to the lab. An overflow area, equipped with medical gas, can accommodate additional patients if needed during a surge event. Additionally, a dedicated Security Services office is now embedded within the Emergency Department. 

"Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee emergency department patients and staff have already begun to reap the benefits of a renovated and updated clinical workspace. We can now handle greater volumes of patients in a safe and efficient manner, all while providing the highest quality of care to the entire community,” said Jeremy Silver, MD, medical director, Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital Emergency Department.

The final phase, expected to be completed by September 2022, will include four exam rooms, one trauma room and the staff lounge. When completed the number of patient treatment and holding areas in the Emergency Department will increase from 23 to 34.

Watch a video about the project.