Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust’s Queen Alexandra Hospital (QAH), has introduced a new microwave ablation service to their Diagnostic Imaging Department. This is expected to benefit patients with liver cancer, by producing better outcomes and enhanced care.
This procedure is used to destroy cancerous cells through the use of heat. This method disturbs the water molecules to produce heat, which removes the cancer cells. In order to produce these results, needles are inserted into precise areas in the liver, through the guidance of CT or ultrasound imaging.
Consultant Radiologist, Dr Christopher Ball, said: “We are delighted to be introducing this new service, not only to improve the experience of our patients, but to also benefit the professional development of the Diagnostic Imaging team by learning new skills.
“We recently treated our first patient using this state-of-the-art equipment which was a success. They are now at home recovering well.”
The service is also thought to improve holistic care and wellbeing for patients, ensuring it is safe and efficient, with the power to reduce recovery time and save resources. It is also anticipated to help reduce the carbon footprint, with local patients not travelling as far, as well as improve the strain of waiting times.
