Ash Bolt
Brain and spinal surgery across Greater Geelong and the Surf Coast has been given a boost, with the arrival of a new $2.4 million CT scanner to be used in operating theatres at Epworth Geelong.
In a first for the region’s hospitals, the intraoperative CT theatre scanner is combined with navigation technology to guide the surgeons with access to real time imaging during complex operations.
Ordinarily patients undergo CT scans shortly before surgery to locate tumours and vital organs, however the new technology will allow for those scans to be completed in the operating theatre at the time of surgery.
Epworth Geelong executive general manager Leonie Lloyd said the new scanner would allow more complex procedures to be safely undertaken.
“The arrival of the intraoperative CT scanner at Epworth Geelong is a significant boost to healthcare for our region,” Ms Lloyd said.
“It means more complex spinal and neurosurgery cases can be treated at Epworth Geelong, rather than patients having to be transferred to Melbourne.
“This technology means better outcomes for our patients.”
The intraoperative CT scanner can be moved between theatres as required, allowing more flexibility for surgeons.
The scanner, combined with surgical navigation, will aid neurosurgeons including Nick Hall and Rana Dhillon.
“This innovative fusion of intraoperative CT and precision navigation will expand the scope and accuracy of complex spinal and brain surgery for Epworth Geelong patients,” Mr Hall said.
“Now, surgery is safer, quicker and suitable for a broader range of patients. This enables less postoperative scans and reduces the chance of revision surgery.
“This is the best technology available to aid surgeons to achieve the best operative outcomes.”
Theatre staff are now undertaking training to use the new scanner.
