New Equipment Arrives At VJH

By Corey Fischer

Jan 24, 2019 | 10:45 AM

Photo: Dr. Hamish Hwang and Brenda Stevens with VJH Ambulatory Care holding a new colonoscope (VJH Foundation)

Vernon Jubilee Hospital is putting new equipment into use, thanks to $275,000 raised in the Light A Bulb campaign in 2017.

Eight new colonoscopes will be used by surgeons for non invasive procedures (no incision required) to view inside patients’ bodies, and diagnose a number of different conditions including cancer.

While it took longer to complete, VJH was able to buy more scopes than first planned due to Interior Health teaming up with other health authorities to increase buying power.

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“Colonoscopes were including in this new process which took a long time to work out. The result, however, is fantastic – the lower price allowed us to purchase more scopes and get even better mileage from your generous donations,” says Lisa Westermark, Executive Director of the VJH Foundation.

Last year, 6,387 endoscopic procedures were performed at VJH.

“Half of the patients we scope have benign polyps removed. These are small tumours that can turn to cancer,” says Dr. Hamish Hwang, VJH General Surgeon. “By removing these polyps, we prevent hundreds of people in our community from getting colorectal cancer every year.”

Colorectal cancer is the 3rd most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Canada.

During a colonoscope, images from the camera appear on a screen where the surgeon can see if there are any abnormalities. Many times, they can address problems right at the moment of discovery and take action to avoid any future issues for the patient. Colonoscopes give surgeons the information needed to take immediate life saving measures.

by Corey Fischer