Hospital introduces pioneering tumour treatment

A new, quicker and less intrusive treatment for bladder tumours has been introduced at Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital, medics said.

Traditionally, patients would undergo pre-operative assessment before a procedure under general or spinal anaesthetic which required recovery time, monitoring and support at home.

Using the new treatment, patients can undergo treatment while awake and leave the department shortly afterwards, the Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust said.

Patient Nick Weaver, 74, from Codsall, one of the first to try it, said he was very grateful as the whole procedure lasted less than forty minutes and fortunately he received good news that no cancer was identified.

He said he was told he required a biopsy in his bladder after recent tests, having being diagnosed with bladder cancer two and a half years ago, with small tumours found in the lining.

Weaver said he chose the new procedure - undertaken in an outpatient setting under local anaesthetic - and was able to return home the same day.

"Using the laser allowed the urology team to cauterise areas where the biopsy was taken and to further treat areas where the surgeon felt required treatment," he said.

"The whole procedure lasted less than forty minutes. The results were good and no cancer was identified.

"The team at New Cross are world-class. A fantastic group of people and I am very grateful."

The adoption of the new procedure - transurethral laser ablation (TULA) - across urology units in England has shown "significant promise in improving the delivery of bladder cancer services,", the trust said.

It was first used on three patients at New Cross Hospital in May who all gave highly positive feedback, they added.

Andeana Andreas, urology outpatients departmental manager, said: "This initiative reflects the department's commitment to improving patient care by adopting innovative, evidence-based techniques.

"By reducing hospital stay, minimising recovery time, and enhancing patient comfort, TULA is expected to play an important role in the future delivery of bladder cancer treatment."

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