Innovative urology surgery has been performed in the South Eastern Trust’s Regional Day Procedure Centre at the Lagan Valley Hospital which helps patients avoid the risks associated with general anaesthetic – and is carried out as a day procedure.
TULA surgery (Transurethral laser ablation) is the removal of abnormal tissue in the bladder using a laser, via a long, thin camera called a cystoscope. A fine laser fibre is passed through a cystoscope and the abnormal tissue is then destroyed. The benefits of the surgery for the patient is that they avoid an inpatient hospital stay and make a speedier recovery.
The Regional Day Procedure Centre’s Project Manager, Alison Warwick, explained how the surgery is “great news” for those urology patients undergoing surgery. “The surgery is carried out in a theatre setting, however the patient will be able to basically ‘walk in and walk out’. We had seven patients on our first list for TULA surgery this week and the procedures were carried out very calmly which for our first list of patients was fantastic. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the team in the Regional Day Procedure Unit including our admin staff and nursing staff, who were led by Dr Norah Keville.”
The Director of Surgery, Elective, Maternity and Paediatrics, Maggie Parks warmly welcomed the innovation. “This will really benefit patients, not just in our Trust but across Northern Ireland who attend the Regional Day Procedure Centre at the Lagan Valley Hospital. It is a tremendous step forward.”