New technology that significantly improves the surgical treatment of breast cancer has arrived at West Gippsland Hospital (WGH) in a first for the Gippsland region.
Thanks to local charity A Girls Day Out, the Scout technology will enable precision identification of tumour depth and location, increasing the likelihood of complete cancer removal.
Using the technology, radiologists can insert a tiny reflector into the breast to mark the tumour. The procedure can be done weeks or even months before surgery. Previously, a thin wire was placed through the skin. This meant the procedure had to be timed for the day of surgery and, as the wire could not be inserted at WGH, patients had to travel with the wire in place.
A Girls Day Out organisers raised the money for the equipment at their 2024 event. WGHG has since conducted extensive trials and stakeholder engagement to ensure it purchased the most up-to-date and effective technology, and that the treatment could be delivered safely at West Gippsland Hospital (WGH).
WGH Breast Cancer surgeon Chere McCamley says: “This is a very exciting step for us. We are building a really strong breast cancer team here and we have a strong focus on keeping all of our breast cancer patients, male and female, in Gippsland for their treatment.
“The Scout means we can decouple radiology from theatre so patients can have this small seed inserted at any stage before surgery. There is less discomfort for patients and less anxiety around travelling on the day of surgery. It’s fantastic. It’s world class technology.”
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