Surgical team first in the UK

Surgical team first in the UK to use leading-edge digital catheter

Asurgical team led by Mr Alberto Martinez-Isla, Consultant Laparoscopic Upper GI Surgeon, has become the first outside of the United States to use the leading-edge SpyGlass Discover Digital

Catheter to perform a laparoscopic common bile duct exploration. The procedure, which involved a patient who was admitted with jaundice during the Covid-19 crisis, took place in July at Central Middlesex Hospital.

The bile duct is a hollow tube running from the liver to the small bowel, providing a passage for the flow of bile. Stones slipping out of the gall bladder and into the bile duct can cause obstruction and jaundice, as well as acute pancreatitis.

Laparoscopic bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is part of a single stage procedure, which enables fewer interventions, shortens the length of stay in hospital, and reduces surgical complications and risks in patients with bile duct stones. By comparison, the standard

All eyes on Central Middlesex

treatment involves at least two hospital visits and a much longer recovery time.

During the LCBDE, a tiny incision is made in the abdominal wall and a 3 mm tube is inserted into the abdomen. A camera is then inserted through the tube (in this case the SpyGlass) to locate the gallstones. Next, a laser is guided through the tube to blast the gallstones into small pieces which are collected after which the gallbladder is removed. Mr Alberto Martinez-Isla says we are a leader in the field for this type of surgery: “The SpyGlass Discover Digital Catheter features

high resolution and lighting to provide a clear view of the bile duct. By using the very latest technology we can streamline surgical procedures and enhance patient safety. Crucially, as the NHS tackles the ongoing challenges of Covid-19 we can also reduce

hospital admissions.”

In June, the ophthalmology team at Central Middlesex Hospital became the first in London to re-start elective cataract surgery. Evelyn Mensah, Consultant Eye Surgeon and Lead Clinician for Ophthalmology, explains how the team prepared to safely re-start cataract surgery: “We treat a complex group of patients, primarily from the BAME community who have the highest prevalence of diabetic eye disease and glaucoma in the country. “The first task was to look at all the patients currently on our cataract waiting list and risk assess them. The next step was to contact suitable patients who were low risk for Covid-19 to find out if they wanted to come for surgery. 80% agreed to come in for their surgery, and to self-isolate for seven days before their treatment. The pre-operative assessment team helped with Covid swabbing 72 hours before the patients’ surgery. “To limit the amount of time that patients spent in the hospital on the day of surgery we produced a patient information leaflet, in partnership with our pharmacy colleagues, to explain how patients needed to self-administer their own dilating eye drops on the day.” “Our goal is to increase cases to 12 patients a day, as we still have a large waiting list in the North West London sector, and to help neighbouring trusts clear their cataract waiting lists.

“The message to our patients is that we have robust procedures in place to keep you safe when you come for your surgery.”

From porter to pop star - is there something we should know?

Simon Le Bon, lead singer with Duran Duran, one of the 1980s most successful bands, briefly worked as a porter at Northwick Park Hospital before finding global fame. During the lockdown Simon mentioned us in a tweet saying:

“Many years ago, I worked as a porter at Northwick Park Hospital. They’ve asked me to help with their Covid-19 fundraising. I’m not saying that they need it more than any other hospital does, but here it is #NHS’