Mount Druitt Hospital is now home to top-of the-range breast imaging equipment, with the introduction of a $65,000 machine set to slash treatment times and reduce the need for further surgery in breast cancer patients.
The hospital is the first in western Sydney to use the imaging technology, which can cut surgery time and avoid the need for follow-up surgery in certain cases.
Better imaging means cancerous growths can actually be identified during surgery, permitting surgeons to act immediately if necessary.
Previously, patients would require a longer period of anaesthetic as surgeons waited for samples to be tested and returned – taking up to 30 minutes.
It would also mean the patient would require additional surgery at a later date, once the additional cancer specimens were identified.
Dr Nicholas Ngui, a breast surgeon and staff specialist at Mount Druitt Hospital, said the new technology, known as the Biovision Faxitron, would improve the hospital’s ability to manage breast cancer patients.
“With the expansion of the breast cancer institute at the hospital and the appointment of a new McGrath breast care nurse, we are pleased to be taking on more patients requiring breast cancer treatment and surgery,” he said.
“The introduction of this machine will increase patient safety and reduce the need for further surgical procedures.
“Identifying and removing even the smallest cancer specimens while we are operating means we can eliminate another bout of surgery, which can be so stressful on a patient.”
The machine will also be shown to junior doctors, who will benefit from the experience of working with digital technology.
The Biovision Faxitron was purchased thanks to the fundraising efforts of Mount Druitt Hospital staff and volunteers.
“I’d like to thank everyone who helped raise the funds for this machine – the surgical team is thrilled we are able to offer cutting-edge treatment to our patients,” said Dr Ngui.
Media source: Original article published by the Pulse 26 October 2017