Sunshine Coast breast cancer patients now have access to advanced treatment at Noosa Hospital that is designed for better surgical precision and recovery.
Breast and Endocrine Surgeon, Dr Felicity Adams, said the new SCOUT system, which uses radar technology, would significantly lift the standard of care available to local patients.
“The SCOUT system is designed to help a surgeon more precisely locate tumours. A tiny device, the size of a grain of rice, called a reflector is placed within the target tissue prior to surgery – possibly weeks in advance,” Dr Adams said.
“During the surgery, the surgeon uses a probe which can detect the reflector with millimetre accuracy, providing real-time distance measurements. The system is designed to remove tumours precisely, while helping to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible.”
The new, wireless system replaces the traditional method of inserting a wire prior to surgery.
“Offering local patients access to the SCOUT system right here on the Sunshine Coast is incredibly rewarding,” Dr Adams said.
“It’s more convenient and cheaper for my patients and can significantly reduce the physical and emotional strain of long-distance travel if you’re sick.”
Noosa Hospital chief executive officer Dr Karl van der Merwe, said he hoped the new technology would make treatment a little easier for patients with breast cancer.
“Ramsay Health Care and Noosa Hospital want to want to give our community access to the best care and latest technology so patients have a better experience and better outcomes.”
