Patients undergoing breast cancer surgery in Grampian are set to benefit from a new state-of-the-art 3D tissue scanner, thanks to generous donations from the public.
The Mozart Kubtec specimen scanner, which cost more than £200,000, has been funded by NHS Grampian Charity.
Breast conserving surgery, also known as a lumpectomy, followed by radiotherapy is the standard treatment for early breast cancer. During surgery, the surgeon aims to remove the cancerous cells along with a small amount of surrounding tissue to leave a clear gap between the cancer and the healthy cells.
Sometimes patients require a second operation if more tissue needs to be removed. Not only can this be stressful and cause anxiety for patients, it can also delay them beginning the next stages of their treatment.
The 2D scanner currently used at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary to aid these surgeries has now been replaced with the new 3D scanner, which is the first of its kind in Scotland.
Ahmed Mustafa, consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon and clinical lead in the Breast Unit, said: “The new scanner is one of the most advanced available in specimen scanning.
“Tissue is not uniform and it moves as you work with it. Previously tissue specimens were scanned in 2D and the surgeon used their judgement on how much tissue to take. This 3D scanner improves the accuracy of this judgement during surgery.
“It lets the surgeon see a fuller three dimensional image on the tissue, so they can decide on the spot whether they are going to remove more or not.”
By using the new scanner to analyse samples of tissue during the surgery, patients are less likely to have to return for a follow-up operation. This reduces inconvenience for patients, as well as reducing disruption to their lives.
Surgeons hope that the scanner will result in nearly 100 less re-excision operations required each year, meaning more patients can be treated.
Amanda Lawrence, breast team leader, said: “The machine can scan a sample of breast tissue in 3D and show it on the screen, and the surgeon can use voice commands to see the scan from different angles, or to move between images of very thin layers of tissue.
“We don’t need to de-scrub to press any buttons on the scanner, which is really important for reducing delays in the theatre.”
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, and around 4,800 people in Scotland are diagnosed each year. The team at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary perform almost 600 breast cancer operations each year, with around 400 of these being breast conserving surgery.
Louise Bone, supporter engagement officer at NHS Grampian Charity, said: “This new scanner will make a real difference for patients at what is often an incredibly difficult and emotional time. By giving surgeons a clearer view of the tissue during surgery, this scanner has the potential to reduce the need for additional operations, ease stress and anxiety for patients, and help them more forward with their treatment more quickly.
“It is thanks to the generous donations of our supporters that we can continue to fund advanced medical equipment like this, which enhances care and supports patients across the north-east.”
NHS Grampian Charity is the official charity of NHS Grampian, and funds projects and equipment which are over and above core NHS requirements to enhance the health and wellbeing of patients.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the charity and to everyone whose donations helped purchase this scanner,” said Ahmed.
“Thirty years ago most patients had a mastectomy to remove all the breast tissue, which can have a significant impact on their psychological wellbeing and their confidence.
“Innovative new techniques and tools, like this scanner, help us keep as much of the breast as we can, which is a much better outcome for our patients.”