An innovative new method is allowing Sunshine Coast University Hospital patients to undergo a procedure in a quick and effective manner without sedation.
Sunshine Coast Health offers unsedated transnasal endoscopy to patients as an alternative to traditional endoscopy under sedation.
Patients can remain awake and comfortable during the scope, which examines the oesophagus and stomach.
The use of numbing spray, combined with the insertion of a thin gastroscope through the nose, makes the experience more patient-friendly.
Unlike traditional methods that often require a longer recovery period, this approach minimises disruption to patients’ daily lives.
With the procedure taking as little as five minutes to complete, patients can go back to daily activities almost immediately.
Sunshine Coast Health issued a media release stating it is constantly looking for innovative ways to provide high-quality care to patients.
Sunshine Coast Health chief executive Dr Peter Gillies said the method provided efficient service.
“Unsedated transnasal endoscopy is an innovative way to ensure Sunshine Coast locals have access to high-quality and cost-effective healthcare,” he said.
“I am committed to offering innovative models of care to Queenslanders and, where possible, minimising impacts for patients and reducing unnecessary surgery.
“We are offering choice to patients and investing in models of care that see patients as quickly as possible.”
Sunshine Coast Health hepatology staff specialist Professor James O’Beirne said the technique allowed patients to undergo the procedure and return to their daily lives in quick time.
“Unsedated transnasal endoscopy is a much more comfortable procedure for patients than endoscopy via the mouth and it can be done without sedation, which is very convenient for patients because they can drive themselves to their appointment and drive themselves home,” he said.
“It doesn’t interfere with work or childcare.
“One of the great benefits is that patients can breathe normally through their mouth, they can speak, and I can talk to them while I’m performing the procedure and point out on the screen what is happening, and I think patients find that really interesting and empowering.”
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