Thank you to our generous donors and supporters two new Karl Storz Stack Systems for the are now in use in outpatients and theatre at Conquest Hospital, replacing the existing 2D equipment.
The new stack systems comprise all the equipment needed to perform keyhole laparoscopic diagnostic and surgical procedures. The ultra-high 4k capability gives significantly better image resolution and the 3D stereoscopic capability gives the surgeon improved spatial orientation during procedures. This makes performing laparoscopic procedures faster and safer, reducing the risk of surgical complications. In particular, 3D imaging combined with intravenous fluorescent green dye helps to locate the ureters accurately during surgery, reducing the risk of ureteric damage which can lead to sepsis and kidney damage.
Our expectation is that the colorectal department will be able to treat between 280 and 320 patients per month with this equipment, making a total of between 3,360 and 3,840 colorectal patients treated per year.
Outpatient diagnostic procedures can also be performed more quickly and accurately. This means that 25% more patients can be seen in each clinic and patients who are worried that they may have cancer will get a faster diagnosis with fewer needing to have a further diagnostic procedure under general anaesthetic.
The gynaecology cancer Service for East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is centred on Conquest Hospital and it is vital that this state of the art equipment is available here. It will not only enhance patient care but is also important for consultant recruitment and retention to provide the best medical care locally and better outcomes for our local community. The equipment will also be used for treating benign gynaecological conditions and for colorectal surgery, benefitting a greater number of our patients.
A huge thanks goes to the Bowyer family and The League of Friends of Bexhill Hospital for allocating a major legacy to this project. Another huge thanks goes to the Valerie Evelyn Morant Trust for a major donation to the project. We are very grateful indeed to our local community, whose support of our endeavours enable us to support our local hospital. We’re thrilled to have reached our target so quickly to enable this equipment to be purchased so soon.