New laser for Chase Farm cancer patients (From This Is Local London)

New laser for Chase Farm cancer patients

8:20am Thursday 29th January 2009

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A NEW state-of the art laser will improve surgery for cancer patients, after being donated to Chase Farm Hospital by charities.

The carbon dioxide laser allows surgeons to burn out cancers with the minimum of blood loss, sometimes allowing them to avoid cutting into patients completely.

Representatives from the Patricia Madden Cancer Trust and Barnet and District CancerLink joined patients, doctors and hospital chiefs to launch the C02 machine at the hospital on Tuesday.

Head and neck consultant, Wayne Halfpenny, explained that as well as lessening blood loss, cancers of the voicebox can be removed via the mouth by the machine, avoiding the need for radiotherapy or surgery through the neck.

He added: "The carbon dioxide laser is a fantastic piece of equipment in the surgical treatment of head and neck cancer.

"It cuts and seals tissue at the same time minimising blood loss and allows some cancers to be treated without open neck surgery. It can also vapourise early cancers avoiding the need for surgical excision."

Mr Halfpenny and Barnet and Chase Farm Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive Averil Dongworth thanked the charities for their "generous" support.

Previous donations have kept the hospital up to date with equipment for breast cancer biopsy, and furnished counselling rooms, as well as general equipment and support for individual patients.

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