PHYSICIANS from Newcastle Hospitals joined experts across the globe to showcase the latest innovations and advancements in endoscopic ultrasound techniques.
For the first time gastroenterology consultants, Manu Nayar and Professor John Leeds, took part in a 14-hour education course involving more than 20 academic medical centres throughout the world.
In its third year, the EUS Skyline and Endoscopy On Air course featured live streams into different theatres throughout the day and early evening, giving clinicians the opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise with others.
A total of 28 endosonography live procedures were aired involving patients from Asia, Australia, Africa, Europe, and North and South America.
Newcastle’s endoscopy service provides specialist screening for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of disorders affecting the digestive system, with the team carrying out more than 20,000 endoscopic procedures each year.
The Freeman Hospital is one of the largest units in the U.K. carrying out highly specialist procedures including endoscopic ultrasound – a procedure that combines endoscopy and ultrasound (EUS) to create images of the digestive tract and nearby organs and tissues.
During EUS, a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope is placed in the digestive tract and an ultrasound device on the tip of the tube uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the digestive tract and other organs to help detect disease.
Dr Nayar, who was in theatre with Prof Leeds to perform an endoscopic necrosectomy – a procedure to remove dead pancreas tissue – said: “It’s an amazing programme and we’re honoured to be involved as the UK’s only trust.
“Our unit is recognised nationally for the work we do in endoscopy and this was a great opportunity to widen our global reach, interact with colleagues and share our knowledge and expertise about what we do here in Newcastle. I’d also like to thank our patient who kindly agreed to be involved.”
