Pill camera to detect bowel cancer used on 2,000th patient in Scotland

A screening procedure to detect bowel cancer which features a tiny camera placed inside a pill has been used on its 2,000^th patient in Scotland.

 

The Pillcam, or Colon Capsule Endoscopy device, passes through the digestive system taking 50,000 images of the bowl on its journey.  The pictures are stored in a recorder worn on a belt around the patient’s waist.  Although the device is swallowed in hospital, patients are able to go home and allow the capsule to pass through their digestive system.

 

Professor Angus Watson, clinical lead for colon capsule endoscopy and colorectal surgeon, said “We are delighted to reach this milestone of 2,000 patients receiving this exciting, fast and effective diagnostic procedure.

 

“Traditionally, patients undergoing this test would require sedation and could be quite anxious coming in for their appointment.

 

“This test is painless and although they will still need to undergo the same cleaning preparation beforehand, all they are doing is swallowing the capsule and letting the camera do the work.

 

“This advancement in cancer diagnosis is excellent news for the people of Scotland and allows us to not only put patients first, but supports our plans as we continue to recover from the impact of the pandemic.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

 

Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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