Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust’s Post

Patients at Barnet Hospital (BH) are benefitting from a new minimally-invasive treatment option for recurrent superficial bladder tumours. Trans urethral laser ablation (TULA) allows for small bladder cancers to be removed under local anaesthetic using a flexible cystoscope and a laser. The procedure is carried out in an outpatient clinic and takes just 15 minutes, freeing up theatre space, and allowing the patient to go home within minutes of completion. If necessary, a biopsy can also be taken and sent for further analysis. Dimitrios Volanis, consultant urologist, said the treatment offers many benefits to both patients and the trust, and feedback from patients has been positive. “At Barnet we have an ageing population, often with complex healthcare needs so being able to treat them safely in a short period of time is a huge benefit,” he said. "Patients avoid general anaesthesia and don’t need to stop any of their regular medications, including blood thinners. Following the procedure patients can return to their normal daily activities within a few hours. "Outpatient day cases free up bed space and release theatre capacity, so TULA also offers a significant cost and efficiency benefit." Malcolm Ozin, from Hendon, received the treatment after a small recurrent bladder cancer was identified. “I didn’t know it was going to be a laser treatment, and it really didn’t hurt at all, it just felt like a pin prick,” said Malcolm. “I came into the hospital and within 45 minutes I was finished and ready to leave. “I enjoy going to the gym, yoga and swimming and I’ve been told I can do all of that again from tomorrow!” Ageing well and transforming same day and integrated care services are BH's two priorities as set out in our new five-year clinical strategy.

Dawn G.

Bishop Stopford Church of England School

2mo

Well done guys 👏

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