Full EUS service reducing pain and the need for surgery

26 August 2016

Full EUS service reducing pain, discomfort and the need for surgery

Two highly-trained specialists and the latest in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) technology are enabling Capital & Coast DHB to detect some cancers earlier, reduce the need for surgery, minimise pain, and lower recovery times for many patients.

EUS involves inserting a thin tube into the body through the mouth and into the stomach and small intestine. Fitted with a camera and ultrasound probe, it captures images of the surrounding tissue and organs. It primarily assists with gastrointestinal, lung and pancreatic treatment.

“The EUS gives very high-quality images and lets us find things too small for an MRI or CT to detect,” said gastroenterologist Dr Rees Cameron.

“This includes earlier detection of some pancreatic cancers and characterisation of cysts – which, in turn, enables patients to seek treatment sooner and improves their chances of recovery.”

EUS can also be used to administer some treatments precisely – without the need for full-blown surgery – and to remove the need for extremely painful procedures.

“We can kill pain nerves and provide enormous relief to pancreatic cancer patients especially –and drain cysts and obstructed bile ducts, without the patient having to go through surgery and prolonged recovery times.

“The range of uses for EUS is incredibly broad. It has enabled us to minimise patients’ pain and discomfort, and reduce their length of stay in hospital for certain procedures by around nine days – we can even now do some quite complicated procedures as outpatient procedures, with the patent able to go home that day.”

CCDHB implemented EUS at Wellington Regional Hospital in October last year and, since then, has used it with as many as 180 patients.

“With two highly-trained specialists, we’re now offering the full range of EUS services to our communities – as well as those from the Hutt Valley, Wairarapa, Marlborough, Whanganui, Palmerston North, and Hawkes Bay.

“Wellington patients can get treatment here at home, and our neighbours don’t have to travel all the way to Auckland.”

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