Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust now offers patients access to one of the most advanced and minimally invasive procedures for removing early-stage colorectal cancer, making this region one of only a handful of places in the UK offering such expertise.
The procedure, known as Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD), is a cutting-edge approach that allows doctors to remove abnormal growths, including early cancers and precancerous polyps, without the need for major surgery. This groundbreaking technique not only preserves the organ but also offers a quicker recovery time, no visible scars, and far less discomfort for patients.
During the procedure, a highly skilled doctor uses a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope, which is gently passed through the anus to reach the affected area of the bowel. A small amount of fluid is injected under the growth to carefully lift it from the bowel wall, before the lesion is removed in one piece using an extremely precise heated wire. The procedure is typically performed under general anaesthesia and can take between one to three hours, often as a day case.
This innovative approach is approved by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and requires an exceptional level of skill and precision, which is why it is only offered in a few specialised centres across the UK.
Once removed, the lesion is thoroughly examined under a microscope to ensure that the cancer has been completely removed and to determine whether further treatment or monitoring is needed. For patients, this means greater hope and reassurance.
The introduction of this procedure at DGT is an exciting and important step forward, bringing advanced treatment options closer to home and giving patients the very best chance at recovery while preserving their quality of life.