Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has become available at the Central Coast Cancer Centre for the first time.
The new equipment allows real time, accurate ultrasound assessment of cancer in difficult to access areas such as the pancreas, and will reduce the need for patients to travel to Sydney for the procedure, often when unwell.
The Central Coast Malibu Boardriders donated over $70,000 from the 2015 and 2016 Magoo Charity Surf Classics towards the $200,000 cost of the EUS.
Endoscopic ultrasound is used for the accurate ultrasound assessment of pancreatic and other lesions, along with tissue diagnosis and several therapeutic procedures.
It works via insertion of the EUS scope through the mouth and into the stomach and small intestine.
Gastroenterologist and biliary endoscopist, Dr David Gilbert, said normal endoscopic procedures can only assess and treat what is directly visible inside the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
“The Endoscopic Ultrasound Scope is designed to allow assessment of structures within and beyond the wall of the stomach and small intestine including the pancreas, bile duct, blood vessels and lymph nodes, areas that are difficult to access by other means,” Dr Gilbert said.
“This new equipment means lesions smaller than a centimetre can be biopsied under Endoscopic Ultrasound guidance and assessed on site to give immediate diagnosis,” he said.
The main role of the Endoscopic Ultrasound is assessment of pre-malignant and malignant lesions in these difficult to access areas.
“It will also aid earlier diagnosis and enable treatment to commence earlier,” Dr Gilbert said.
“We are very grateful to the Central Coast Malibu Boardriders who organise the annual Magoo Charity Surf Classic and donate the proceeds to help those in our Community.
“They also receive lots of community support for the event including from the Lions Club of Gorokan-Kanwal and local businesses, and we would like to say thank you to everyone who was involved.”
Proceeds from the 2017 Magoo Charity Classic will support the care and treatment of traumatic brain injury patients, in honour of a long-standing Club member who passed away last year.
Source:
Media release,
Mar 30, 2017
Casey Virgin, Central Coast Local Health District