New equipment to targetmalignant tumours

Endoultrasound being used at Stanley hospital

A new equipment, endoultrasound (EUS), used by the Government Stanley Hospital, has been able to identify and manage malignant tumours.

The equipment, the only one of its kind in a government hospital in the State, has been used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Patients with pancreatic cysts, tumours or necrosis were being treated at the hospital. M.S. Revathy, head of medical gastroenterology, said the EUS was used on 210 patients, many referred from other government hospitals, and in most of them, malignant tumours had been diagnosed.

The EUS can be used to identify tumours starting from oesophagus, Dr. Revathi said. “If there is a tumour in the lymph node surrounding the oesophagus with the ultrasound, we are able to differentiate between tuberculosis and malignant tumours,” she said.

It requires just sitting for the patient and within 20 minutes, the doctor would know the result and thus plan management of the ailment.

The EUS has also helped in treating patients with pancreatic cysts.