HealthCare Global Enterprise (HCG), Bangalore-based cancer hospital chain, became the first hospital in Asia to treat patients with Intra Operative 3D Radioguided Surgery System (SurgicEye). The declipseSpect is a freehand SPECT device intraoperative 3D imaging for radioguided surgery. Till date HCG has used the system to treat 15 patients and the biggest advantage of the system is that the cancer patients can avail the surgery in daycare.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a method used as a minimally invasive procedure to find the first nodes in the lymphatic system in the drain of the tumour as an indicator for precise tumour staging. Monitoring the lymphatic system and especially lymph nodes is a very efficient way of treating many types of cancers, as malignant cells use this network to spread throughout the patient’s body. Dr Krithika Murugan, Consultant, Surgical Oncologist, HCG, further stressed on the importance of this technology and added, “Traditionally, we were using the Sentinel (Gamma) probe to locate the sentinel lymph node, the accuracy of this was less desirable and involved subjective guesswork on the part of the surgeon. The declipseSPECT, on the other hand, makes this process easier, as it not only gives a 3D location of the lymph node, but also tells the surgeon of the accurate depth at which the lymph node can be found. It is therefore, an excellent navigation tool which helps in negating unnecessary taking out of additional nymph nodes. It is helpful in localising early lesions of the breast not clinically palpable using the ROLL technique.”
Dr Joerg Traub, Inventor & Founder, SurgicEye said, “I am impressed by the quality of service and the patient centered approach of HCG and I am convinced that HCG is the best location for the first declipseSPECT installation in Asia. The declipseSPECT will add one more innovation to HCG’s high quality service, providing 3D imaging and guidance support for least invasive surgery and quality assurance in the operating room to document the complete removal.”
Benefits of the machine include intuitive and direct access through 3D imaging and depth information, quality assurance through image confirmation of complete resection, increased accuracy and resection control through 3D image viewing and anatomical future. This can facilitate smaller scars, less trauma/morbidity and shorter operation time.
Dr Mahesh Bandemegal, Consultant, Surgical Oncologist, HCG, said, “The usage and benefits of declipseSPECT are varied. This new technology helps us to identify and image the sentinel node intraoperatively. This will help us in accurate localisation of lymph node with smaller incisions. It is mainly used for breast cancer, skin cancer, oral cancer, gynaecological procedures.”
SurgicEye channel partner in India, Advanced Medical systems, GM, Rahul Kaul said that the machine costs approximately Rs 2.5 crores and is a lifetime machine with only a disposable cover to be replaced periodically.
Clinical trials on efficacy and benefits are being conducted in Europe and the data will soon be available. HCG will serve as the nodal centre for providing training and education to surgeons on 3D radioguided surgery system.
EH News Bureau
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